About Mediation Mediation is a process to resolve disputes. It involves a neutral party, a mediator, who helps the parties to the dispute in their discussions. The mediator may help the parties identify issues, clarify issues, or create options for resolution. Mediation generally concludes with a written agreement among the parties.
Mediation is a process that was used in many ancient civilizations to resolve disputes.
In more modern times, mediation became popular in the late 1970s to resolve community disputes like the neighborhood's barking dog. In the 1980s and 1990s, mediation became increasingly popular to resolve environmental, corporate, and commercial disputes. It also often became an option offered by the courts that allowed parties to avoid lawsuits. As mediation became more commonly used, it was studied and found to generally save time, money, and leave the parties with a greater sense of satisfaction about the outcome of their dispute. Wisconsin developed its system by calling together a group of leaders in the special education community, including, parents, teachers, school officials, attorneys, advocates, and experts on mediation.