Each party will have the opportunity to voice concerns and to speak without interruption. The mediator will expect you to share information with her, focus on the parties needs and interests, and work to resolve the dispute by negotiating and bargaining in good faith. There is the necessity for the parties to participate. Each party may bring any representative they choose to assist in presenting the case, but this is usually unnecessary. Each party should be prepared to settle the case at mediation and preserve the dignity that is lost by going to court.
Mediation is similar to a settlement conference.
The parties may agree to take additional steps to ensure further confidentiality of the mediation. A memorandum of agreement may be drafted. If any partial or complete agreement were obtained it would be binding and enforceable to the extent of any other agreement or contract. Mediation typically does not affect or delay any schedule, discovery, or trial calendar unless the parties agree otherwise and the court so orders. Additionally, it allows you to control your own outcome without being subject to judges' personal beliefs.