{"id":357662,"date":"2016-04-04T10:41:50","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:41:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/adr\/mediation\/what-is-mediation.html"},"modified":"2024-11-13T14:11:00","modified_gmt":"2024-11-13T19:11:00","slug":"what-is-mediation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/adr\/mediation\/what-is-mediation.html","title":{"rendered":"What is Mediation?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Is Mediation?<\/h1>\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

Mediation<\/a> is a legal process through which opposing parties can resolve conflicts without going to court. It is one method of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) where a neutral person guides opposing parties to a resolution. It is an alternative to resolving a legal dispute through a trial or court case.<\/p>\n

Unlike arbitration, a type of ADR similar to a trial, mediation doesn’t involve decision-making by a neutral third party. Mediators are often lawyers, but also include professionals who’ve gone through mediation training or a mediation program.<\/p>\n

This FindLaw article explores different aspects of mediation.<\/p>\n

Understanding the Mediation Process<\/b><\/h2>\n

The mediation process is generally more prompt, inexpensive, and procedurally simple than formal litigation. Mediation allows the parties to focus on the underlying circumstances that contributed to the dispute instead of on narrow legal issues. If the parties reach an agreement, the case resolves itself prior to the hearing or trial, reducing legal fees and time spent in court.<\/p>\n

Mediation Overview<\/b><\/h3>\n

When parties seem unwilling or unable to resolve a dispute, one good option is to turn to mediation. Mediation as a process is generally:<\/p>\n