“Discourage litigation.
Persuade your neighbours to compromise whenever you can.
Point out to them how the nominal winner is often a real loser ” in fees, expenses, and a waste of time.
As a peacemaker, the lawyer has a superior opportunity of being a good man.
There will still be business enough.

Abraham Lincoln, US President

Born 1809 – Died 1865

Mediation is a flexible process that can be used to settle disputes in a whole range of situations such as:

What do mediators do?

The role of the mediator is to help parties reach a solution to their problem and to arrive at an outcome that both parties are happy to accept.

Mediators avoid taking sides, making judgements or giving guidance.

They are simply responsible for developing effective communications and building consensus between the parties.

The focus of a mediation meeting is to reach a common-sense settlement agreeable to both parties in a case.

Mediation is a voluntary process and will only take place if both parties agree.

It is a confidential process where the terms of discussion are not disclosed to any party outside the mediation hearing.

If parties are unable to reach an agreement, they can still go to court.

Details about what went on at the mediation will not be disclosed or used at a court hearing.

Both parties share the cost of mediation, which will depend on the value and complexity of the claim.