Mediation is a non-adversarial process for resolving disputes.
It is an alternative to going to trial, and is particularly useful if the parties to the dispute want to carry on a relationship in the future. An impartial person, called a mediator, assists the parties in identifying common goals and interests. With the identification of common interests or concerns, the parties can begin to find areas in which they can come together. Agreement on small issues often leads to agreement on larger issues. The mediators are present only to help the parties communicate their ideas, and to offer options which will minimize the possibility of future disputes.