What Exactly is Mediation?

Mediation gives people a quick, inexpensive way to work out their differences while addressing everyone’s needs and interests. Decisions reached in mediation are created by the people who are in conflict, not imposed on them by a judge. Mediation:

• encourages direct communication between the parties
• helps people decide for themselves
• allows for the expression of emotions
• defuses anger
• explores creative means of solving problems
• promotes cooperation
• preserves the strengths of an ongoing relationship
• helps people accept the consequences of their own decisions
• develops a model for resolution of future conflicts

Mediation is a way for people who are having a dispute to talk about their issues and concerns and to make decisions about the dispute with the help of another person (called a mediator). A mediator is not allowed to decide who is right or wrong or to tell you how to resolve your dispute.  In mediation, you can try to find solutions that make sense to you and the other person in the dispute to resolve some or all of your concerns. 

While the goal is to try to work something out, you may decide it would be better for you not to come to an agreement. Sometimes emotions may be driving the dispute which can make talking to the person or party with whom you are in a dispute difficult.  A mediator can assist you in easing the way for communication. The mediator is there as a neutral person to help you focus on solving your dispute; however, the mediator is prohibited from providing therapy, counseling or legal advice.

Sources:
America Bar Association
Florida Courts Website