Mediation helps people to solve their differences in a fair and friendly manner. The people themselves maintain control over their own dispute. Also, since parties decide their own outcome, they are usually more committed to the outcome than if a decision is imposed on them. This means that decisions reached in mediation are often more workable and practical than a decision imposed by outsiders. The Community Justice Centres offer free, prompt and accessible services.
Procedures are simple, straightforward and user friendly.
There are no waiting lists or complicated forms to fill in. Sessions can be arranged during the day-time, in the evening or on weekends. Once both parties accept mediation, sessions can usually be arranged within a few days. There is nothing to lose. Mediation does not interfere with people's legal right to use the court system later if they cannot resolve the matter, and it does not lock them into a particular course of action.