Parties can look to developing creative solutions to resolve matters and the solution rests with the parties themselves. Mediation is not a matter of public record and confidentiality of the mediation is maintained. Without the formalities found in litigation, mediation usually results in substantial costs savings. Control - Parties have control over their participation in mediation. A party can decide to terminate their participation at any point in mediation.
Mediators help parties maintain control over the negotiation that takes place.
The mediator may serve a variety of different roles throughout the mediation depending on the facts and circumstances surrounding each case. However, in almost every case the mediator serves as a facilitator. This helps to establish open and candid communication between parties. The mediator can also serve as an interpreter, helping to clarify information which may have been misinterpreted or miscommunicated. A mediator can serve as an evaluator, helping parties to identify strengths and weaknesses of their respective cases which they may not be aware of.