About mediation

Mediation is a process for resolving disputes together. The people involved in a dispute meet and talk with the help of mediator.

A mediation takes place in an informal setting where participants work together to reach agreement.

The mediator manages the process so that the people in the dispute better understand each other’s interests and can work together to shape a resolution that is acceptable. The dispute is resolved only if all the people involved in it agree.

People have often relied on the court system to resolve legal disagreements. The court system is an important part of the justice system, but it can be time-consuming, expensive and difficult to understand.

Mediation is an alternative to going to court and can be used to resolve many different types of disputes, including:

• Business, corporate or commercial claims
• Contracts, debts, wills and estates
• Family law
• Real property and construction
• Wrongful dismissal and personal injury

Why mediate?

Preserving relationships

Mediation makes it easier for people to deal with one another after the dispute ends and it builds constructive communication and problem solving skills for future interactions.

Cost and time

Mediation can resolve disputes quickly which saves time and money.

Control

In mediation, people involved in the dispute help to shape the solution and agree to a settlement only if it is acceptable to them.

Privacy

Mediation is private. The details of the dispute and its resolution do not need to be shared.

Informal atmosphere

Mediation is informal, which encourages communication, avoids the adversarial processes of court, and is less stressful.

Separating the people from the problem

Mediators reduce tension and improve settlements by helping disputants separate their views of the other person from the issues.