Mediation is a way to reach an agreement with the help of a person who is specially trained to help resolve disagreements. The mediator can help the parties talk with each other clearly and think about options for settlement. Mediators are usually attorneys hired by the parties but they are not the attorney for either party. The parties may also choose to hire private consulting attorneys and other experts of their own. A mediator can help solve one issue or the whole case. Mediation is private and confidential. Anything that is said or written in the mediation process by the parties is confidential. The mediator may not talk about the case to the Court or anyone else unless the parties agree. Agreements reached in mediation can become court orders if both parties agree.
