Arbitration is similar to mediation in that a neutral third party is used to help couples resolve their issues. A mediator helps couples navigate the divorce process but does not make decisions. The mediator offers guidance on how to resolve important issues and facilitates resolution. In contrast, an arbitrator serves as a private Judge who considers the evidence presented by both parties and actually determines the outcome of the dispute. The arbitration process is less formal than a courtroom, but there are still procedures that both parties will be expected to follow, and the outcome is binding subject to limited rights of appeal.