Mediation

Mediation is a form of amicable dispute resolution. It is a voluntary and confidential process in which the parties call on an independent and impartial third party, the mediator, to come to a resolution of their dispute. The mediator helps the parties themselves, in full knowledge of the facts, to reach a fair agreement that respects the needs of all parties.

Thus, the ultimate goal of mediation is to reach an agreement that ends the conflict. This mediation agreement is usually in writing and ratifies what was agreed between the parties. Since mediation is always voluntary, it is always possible that no agreement can be reached.

A distinction is traditionally made between mediation in family, social and civil & commercial matters. But very often a conflict is a mix of family, social and economic aspects.