{"id":357652,"date":"2016-04-04T10:41:50","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:41:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/adr\/mediation.html"},"modified":"2026-06-23T10:20:00","modified_gmt":"2026-06-23T15:20:00","slug":"mediation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/adr\/mediation.html","title":{"rendered":"Mediation Law"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n \n Mediation Law\n <\/h1>\n \n Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) that can resolve a dispute out of court. It is faster, cheaper, and less formal than litigation.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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\n By Lark Lewis, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by John Mascolo, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

Mediation is typically limited to civil cases. But some non-violent criminal acts, such as harassment, may be resolved through mediation. Mediation differs from arbitration in some ways, although both provide alternatives to litigation<\/a>.<\/p>\n

FindLaw’s Mediation Law section contains information and resources to help you understand how mediation works. Use the tiles below to navigate to the most relevant topic, or keep reading to learn more about what cases can be mediated, its pros and cons, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n Mediation Legal Basics\n \n <\/i>\n <\/span>\n <\/button>\n <\/h2>\n \n