People with legal problems have many options other than the usual public trial for solving these problems. Parties or their representatives, who may be attorneys, talk directly with each other. The negotiators look for a way to satisfy the needs of the parties experiencing the problem. This problem-solving option uses a neutral person, the mediator, to guide the discussion of ways to solve the problem. The mediator does not make decisions, but helps with developing workable and effective solutions with the parties.
People can use mediators on their own or with the advice or assistance of an attorney.
Their skill is in helping people explore the real issues in conflict and what actions would resolve the problem. The evaluator is someone with experience and knowledge of the subject matter of the case. This is a private process in which both sides in a dispute agree on an individual, or panel of experts, who will judge the case. This shorter, less formal type of court trial is usually used in very complicated cases only. The jury renders an opinion that can be binding if the parties agree, or it can simply provide information that helps them settle their case.