What is mediation? How does it work? Where do the parties meet? Can the mediator make a final decision on a case?
These are all important questions!
Mediation is an incredibly important part of the civil litigation process. Indeed, it helps bring lawsuits – and disputes that might become lawsuits – to a close.
Check out the video below to learn about the nuts and bolts of mediation! The full transcript is below.
As you learned, mediation is the process by which the parties gather together in an attempt to settle a lawsuit. Mediation is generally held at the mediator’s office, which is a neutral location. Further, after the mediator and the lawyers speak, the parties then break into separate rooms and begin to negotiate.
Importantly, the mediator cannot force the parties to settle; instead, only the parties have the power to end their dispute.
Justice Sandra Day O’Connor once said, “The courts of this country should not be the place where resolution of disputes begins. They should be the place where disputes end after alternative methods of resolving disputes have been considered and tried.” Indeed, mediation should often be tried early, even before litigation.
Barthelette Law
We hope you enjoyed reading, “What is mediation?”
In the coming weeks, we will write more about mediation and common questions parties have on mediation. Stay tuned!
If you have any questions regarding mediation or civil litigation, do not hesitate to contact us today!
Full Transcript