ADR can be used by persons with or without the assistance of a lawyer.
Mediation is a facilitated form of negotiation.
In Mediation, the parties retain control over the process, and determine their own resolution of the dispute. Parties choose a mediator, a trained professional, who does not have the power to make any binding decistions. The mediator educates the parties as to the other side's position, determines what the parties want in order to settle the case, and helps the parties reach a settlement of their dispute. There is a settlement only if the parties agreee. The entire process is voluntary, private, and confidential.