Mediation as a method of alternative dispute resolution has steadily grown in popularity and use since the 1980s.
Most people are familiar with the idea of court-ordered mediation for civil and family law cases. But many people don’t know these facts about mediation;
- If you have a dispute with another party, you can choose to hire an impartial mediator and go to mediation before filing a lawsuit.
- You can find a private mediator on your own or with an attorney’s help.
- You can ask for a judge to order mediation in a case if it hasn’t already been ordered.
- There are different types of mediation, and different fee schedules (which depend on a variety of factors).
- Yes, it really is confidential.
- In some situations, you may be able to get free, low-cost or sliding scale mediation.
- Mediation can benefit your case by clarifying the issues, or helping you settle a few of the issues on the list, even if it doesn’t lead to a complete settlement.
- Mediation may ultimately save you money.
- In some situations, a court order or contract may require mediation prior to filing a suit.
- Mediation and arbitration differ from each other in several important ways, but are both part of the process called Alternative Dispute Resolution.
Don’t miss out on the potential benefits that mediation can offer you. Going to mediation is not “showing weakness” or “giving up”. It is simply another avenue to a solution.