What Is Mediation?

Mediation is a structured process of negotiation which uses an impartial third party, the mediator, to facilitate communication among the people who are involved in the conflict or dispute. The mediator establishes the ground rules for the process, assists the people involved in determining what's important to each of them and what needs they have in resolving the problem. The mediator guides the people in identifying all of the issues, prioritizing their needs and desires, and determining what type of resolution will work best for them. The mediator does not tell people how to solve their dispute but often assists them in generating their own possible solutions, some of which may be quite creative.

Where Is Mediation Being Used?

Mediation is used in countless situations. Here are a few examples:

Family: parent/child, divorce, couples
Neighbors: boundaries, noise, respectful language, pet behavior, gangs, roommates
Business/consumer: small claims, civil cases, family business, debt collection
Labor: grievances, contracts
Education: special education, peer mediation in elementary and secondary school, higher education
Housing: landlords and tenants, housing developments, condominiums, real estate
Medical: medical staff, doctor-patient relations, provider-insurer
Elderly: nursing homes, benefits
Multicultural: new populations, cultural differences
Public policy: environmental, negotiated investment strategies, water use
International: treaties, water rights, trade agreements