Alternative Dispute Resolution

Mediation is the intervention into a dispute or negotiation by a neutral impartial third party known as a mediator. There are two common types of mediation known as civil mediations and domestic mediations. Civil mediations are often used to settle Personal Injury disputes, contract disputes and negotiations, American with Disability Act disputes, Real Estate disputes, Probate disputes, and personnel/labor disputes. Domestic mediations involve disputes among family members such as the Dissolution of Marriage, Child Support disputes, Visitation disputes, Custody disputes and Paternity disputes.

Mediation is a voluntary practice with the sole intent to reach mutually acceptable agreement by all parties to a particular dispute. One potential benefit of a mediated agreement is that all parties are more likely to obey the terms of the agreement. This generally results in less future litigation.

However, mediation, like a court trial, still involves two separate and distinct opinions and views. Each party to mediation is wise to retain the assistance of an attorney to represent and advise them through the mediation process.