Simply put, Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution in which a third party neutral person with no interest in the proceedings helps facilitate the parties to resolve their dispute.  It is the only time during the court process that the parties will be in total charge of their future.  The ultimate decision making during the mediation rests solely with the parties.  If the matter is not resolved in mediation, it continues through the court process and will ultimately be resolved by the judge or jury.

The mediator may not coerce or improperly influence the parties to make a decision or unwillingly participate in the mediation.  The mediator’s role is to help facilitate discussion by using dispute resolution techniques to assist the parties in “thinking outside the box” so that the parties can ultimately resolve their differences and settle the litigation.  A settled dispute allows the parties to move on and to use their resources in a positive and more productive manner.