A mediation session can be scheduled as soon as everyone agrees to use mediation to resolve the dispute, even before a lawsuit may be filed. Mediation costs are significantly less than taking a case to trial. Mediation promotes better relationships through cooperative problem-solving and improved communication. Mediation is private and confidential. The mediator and the people in the dispute must maintain the confidentiality of the information disclosed during mediation.
Mediation is voluntary.
Although a judge may order a case to proceed to mediation, the mediation may be terminated at any time by the people involved or by the mediator. Settlement is also entirely voluntary. If you cannot reach an agreement, you still have the right to take the dispute before a judge or jury. To locate a mediator in your area, or find out more about mediation, ask your attorney, the court clerk, your local bar association, or call the Tennessee Commission on Dispute Resolution. The Commission maintains a statewide roster of mediators and provides information on dispute resolution alternatives.