Mediation

Mediation is relatively inexpensive, fast, and confidential. A downside to this method of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) may be that mediation relies on the parties' willingness to participate and on the skill of the mediator. The description of mediation has traditionally been focused on presenting the problem of the parties. The mediator looks at the conflict as a solvable problem. The objective is similar to a win-win negotiation, where the goal is to have both parties' interests met. In problem-solving mediation, success for the mediator is to have a resolution of the dispute. In transformative mediation, the mediator's goal is to increase each party's empowerment and recognition of each other rather than a one-time settlement of the dispute.