This resource was developed by the Northwest Women's Law Center and is provided here with their permission.
Mediation is a way to negotiate solutions to disputes.
The negotiations take place with the help of a trained mediator. It is the mediator s job to help with communication and to create a safe place for you to negotiate. The mediator makes sure each person has a chance to be heard, shows respect for each one s values and feelings, and explores with you workable solutions to your disagreements. The mediator is not there to give you legal advice or to decide who is right. The mediator does not make decisions for the parties.