It is becoming increasingly popular in both the business and family environments, and involves the use of independent third parties to bring protagonists to a resolution of their disputes. There is increasing pressure to use Mediation because it is cost effective, tried, tested and it works.
More details are below and in the linked pages.
Civil and Commercial Mediation Mediation in the commercial and civil environment is a powerful technique for resolving disputes of all sizes and types quickly and cost effectively. It is robust in nature, quick to set up when the time is right and recognises the commercial realities of life. It in many cases has the additional virtue of resolving disputes while retaining business relationships. The outcome of Civil and Contentious Mediation is a binding agreement which provides a certain, and ultimately enforceable, resolution to the dispute. The Mediator has no power to impose a settlement on the parties, who retain authority for making their own decisions.