Mediation is a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). It is a voluntary and confidential way to resolve disputes while maintaining control over the outcome. The process involves the parties to the dispute meeting with a mediator who is neutral and impartial. The mediator helps the parties identify the important issues in the dispute and guides them in formulating options as to how they can resolve the dispute themselves. The mediator does not tell the parties what to do, nor do they make a judgment about who is right or who is wrong. Control over the outcome of the dispute remains with the parties. Mediation provides the opportunity to use an expert in communication to help the parties resolve the dispute themselves. This approach often preserves important family relationships and business relationships. Since the parties are familiar with what has given rise to the dispute and what is important to them, they can do the best job in developing a workable interest-based solution. Mediation allows the parties to a dispute to control the outcome; something that cannot happen if decision-making power is given to the court. Why Mediation? As opposed to court, mediation is quick, confidential, fair and low-cost. If you have given-up on negotiating a settlement of your dispute directly with the other party, mediation may be the most painless and efficient way to find a resolution. Mediation is quick, private and inexpensive compared with involving lawyers and the court process. Mediation sessions are usually scheduled within weeks of a mediation request and most sessions last approximately 2 to 4 hours, depending on the nature and scope of the dispute. In contrast, lawyers and the court process often take months or even years to resolve. Mediation is particularly valuable when your dispute involves another person with whom, either by choice or circumstance, you need to remain on good terms. This may include family members, co-workers, business partners, your landlord, neighbours or others with whom you have a continuing personal or business relationship. The court process polarizes and may ultimately ruin relationships. Mediation possesses the ability to get your dispute resolved without destroying important relationships.