However, the parties must pay the mediator s travel expenses if the parties ask the mediator to hold an in-person mediation conference outside Chicago. You must also pay your own travel expenses, your attorney s travel expenses, and your attorney s fees. The mediation conference can be held over the telephone or in person. The mediator will normally talk to the parties jointly. The mediator may also talk to the parties separately in order to encourage free and open communication.
Mediation is purely voluntary.
If you decide to mediate, you can still withdraw from mediation at any time before you reach a settlement. Reaching a settlement is also voluntary. No one can make you accept a settlement offer you do not like. The settlement you reach in an NFA mediation is a contract that can be enforced in court just like any other contract. NFA Members and Associates can also be suspended from NFA if they do not pay a mediated settlement.