Mediation resolves disputes fast , usually within a day. Mediation is significantly less expensive than litigation - because months or years of litigation are avoided, as are the consequent fees of lawyers and experts. Parties may of course have legal or other advisors present during the mediation if they wish. Within the mediation itself the Mediator will keep confidential any information given by one party unless express permission is granted for some or all of that information to be disclosed to another party. The mediation process is 'without prejudice' , so that on the rare occasion that a settlement is not reached litigation may continue without the parties needing to worry about having 'given away' anything that the other could use in court.
Nothing is binding upon any party until an agreed settlement is reached.
Once a settlement has been drawn up and signed it becomes an enforceable contract between the parties. The Mediation is arranged at a venue convenient to the parties, who each have their own room as well as a separate room for joint meetings. The Mediator listens to everyone's point of view, talks to the parties privately and together, guiding them towards a settlement. The Mediation can take place at any time - it is not limited to ordinary working days or hours. If it suits the parties to negotiate over a weekend, then that's when it happens.