{"id":357655,"date":"2016-04-04T10:41:50","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:41:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/adr\/mediation\/mediation-cases-what-cases-are-eligible-for-mediation.html"},"modified":"2026-06-17T15:52:00","modified_gmt":"2026-06-17T20:52:00","slug":"mediation-cases-what-cases-are-eligible-for-mediation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/adr\/mediation\/mediation-cases-what-cases-are-eligible-for-mediation.html","title":{"rendered":"Mediation Cases: What Cases are Eligible for Mediation?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Mediation Cases: What Cases are Eligible for Mediation?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by John Mascolo, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\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

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n
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Many civil disputes can go to mediation, including conflicts involving families, neighbors, businesses, workplaces, and consumer issues, because the process helps parties reach a voluntary agreement without going to court. Mediation works well when people want to preserve relationships or need a flexible, private way to resolve disputes that don\u2019t require a judge\u2019s ruling. However, cases involving violence, criminal conduct, or urgent court orders are usually not appropriate for mediation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Mediation is a private and informal method of conflict resolution that doesn’t rely on a legal judgment issued by a judge or jury. It is one form of\u00a0alternative dispute resolution (ADR)<\/a>. Arbitration is another common type of ADR. The parties involved in mediation meet with a neutral third party to reach a mutually agreeable solution.<\/p>\n

Parties aren’t forced to agree to a solution in mediation. Instead, the mediator facilitates communication to help the parties reach a mutual agreement. It’s an informal process. Often, lawyers are not present, and the disputing parties typically represent themselves in the mediation process. A successful mediation requires both parties to approach the process in good faith.<\/p>\n

Keep reading for an overview of the types of cases suitable for mediation. You can also talk to an ADR attorney<\/a> in your area for targeted legal advice. They can review your situation and assess whether mediation\u2014or another type of ADR\u2014is best suited to your issue.<\/p>\n

What Types of Cases Can Be Mediated?<\/h2>\n

Mediation is available in most civil cases. Some nonviolent criminal cases, like those involving verbal\u00a0harassment<\/a>, can also be resolved through mediation. Claims not involving a clear legal issue are also good candidates for mediation.<\/p>\n

For example, a dispute with a neighbor<\/a> over an encroaching bush or the brightness of their outdoor lights doesn’t merit a lawsuit. In this situation, mediation can end the conflict with a resolution acceptable to both parties.<\/p>\n

Mediation cases often involve conflict arising in:<\/p>\n