It describes the process and principles behind mediation. It discusses how to participate in mediation and what to expect. The mediator stimulates negotiation and facilitates agreement and settlement. Mediation is an alternative to traditional formal processes where a judge or arbitrator decides the outcome. A mediator does not decide what is right or direct anyone to do anything.
Mediation is based on the voluntary cooperation and good faith collaboration of all parties.
It focuses on the future, not the past, and what is needed to resolve the conflict. Parties often feel that their solution is right and it is just a matter of convincing the other party to accept it. The other party usually has the same feelings about a different solution. Mediation resolves disputes through a constructive problem solving process that builds relationships and future cooperation among the parties. Mediation is voluntary, nonadjudicatory and nonbinding.