Mediation is a guided negotiation.

Your mediator is your guide.

A healthy mediation is where the sides communicate their differences in a fair way to each other, identify common areas, and work vigorously towards a resolution of their issues.

A mediator does not take sides or pick a winner. Instead, the mediator assists the parties so they reach an acceptable agreement without needing a courtroom.

A good mediator helps the parties negotiate, but does not replace a lawyer. Each party is encouraged to use a lawyer for advice.

Parties to a mediation often attend with legal counsel so they can advance the conflict resolution exercise to the best possible resolution.