It usually allows the parties to participate in the selection of the mediator who will assist them in the resolution of their case. It keeps the decision making process in the hands of the parties rather than having a judge or jury impose a decision. By lowering the intensity or level of conflict, it may enable the parties to preserve the relationship. Mediation can be and has been employed in a wide variety of cases with a range of complexity, from small claims and disputes amongst neighbours to large commercial cases and public disputes, negligence and personal injury cases, disputes involving employment, divorce and family issues, consumer issues, construction, contracts, corporate transactions, and intra-institutional issues. The parties may agree to take additional steps to ensure further confidentiality.
Mediation can help mend hurt feelings and pave the way for future dealings.
Though parties may be ordered to mediation by a court program, any settlement is entirely voluntary. In the absence of settlement the parties lose none of their rights to a trial. Contact Hall Wilkinson for more information on how our services can assist your negotiation process.