Yes, if an agreement is reached, it can be made binding. This is done by creating a written agreement setting forth the terms of the agreement, which each party signs. If a lawsuit is pending, the Court can enter the written agreement as a judgment. Because the parties retain the power to resolve their own dispute, they are often able to devise innovative solutions that would not be available to a judge or arbitrator. In addition, mediation is a cooperative, rather than adversarial process.
Most cases take a day or less to resolve, although complex cases can require longer.
Eileen Barker , 1999. Eileen Barker is an attorney specializing in the mediation of business, real estate, employment and family disputes.