About mediation

Mediation is a process for resolving disputes together. The people involved in a dispute meet and talk with the help of mediator.

A mediation takes place in an informal setting where participants work together to reach agreement.

The mediator helps the people in the dispute understand each other’s interests and work together to find a solution they both accept. The dispute is resolved only if all the people involved in it agree.

People have often used the court system to resolve legal disagreements. The court system is an important part of the justice system, but it can be time-consuming, expensive and hard to understand.

Mediation is an alternative to court and can be used to resolve many different types of disputes, including:

• Business, corporate or commercial claims
• Contracts, debts, wills and estates
• Family law
• Real property and construction
• Wrongful dismissal and personal injury

Why mediate?

Preserving relationships

Mediation makes it easier for people to deal with one another after a dispute. It can also help people build constructive communications and problem-solving skills for future interactions.

Cost and time

Mediation can resolve disputes quickly which saves time and money.

Control

Mediation helps people create a solution together. The people in a dispute agree to a settlement only if it is acceptable to them.

Privacy

Mediation is private. The details of the dispute and its resolution do not need to be shared.

Informal atmosphere

Mediation is informal, and encourages communication. It avoids the adversarial processes of court and is less stressful.

Separating the people from the problem

Mediators reduce tension and improve settlement outcomes by helping people in a dispute separate the views they have of the other person from the issues.