What are mediation services and how they can help?

In simple words, mediation refers to a way to improve relationships between two people when there is a disagreement in between. In most cases, mediation is carried out by a neutral person, typically called a mediator. He remains impartial which means he doesn’t take any sides. 

Mediation is a widely accepted way to resolve any underlying disagreement and is:

·       Flexible

·       Less formal

·       Confidential

·       Voluntary

·       Legally no binding

According to experts, mediation is considered a guided negotiation, which is adopted by both parties to arrive at an amicable solution. Handling disputes through mediation can help save money, eases the court-related complexity while giving parties a better environment to resolve underlying issues. Let’s have a look at the major benefits of mediation services:

·       Improved Control. Mediation has been found to increase the control of the parties over the resolution. Each party is directly involved in negotiating their own agreement and no clearance can be forced upon you. In contrast, discontent is sometimes experienced in court where parties do have not many options but to go with the judgement discharged, which they may not agree with.

·       It’s personal. Contrary to the possible advertising of court records, everything conveyed at the mediation remains completely confidential to both the parties (except exactly agreed otherwise).

·       It’s voluntary. Any party may choose to exit at any time.

·       It’s easy. The mediation is scheduled at a venue suitable to both the parties, who each have their own room as well as a separate room for combined discussions. The mediator listens to everyone’s opinion, discusses with the parties separately and together, driving them towards a settlement.

·       Decreased Costs. In general, the cost is immensely reduced in comparison with attempting to settle the matter via court. Conventional litigation is extremely costly expensive and the total cost is hardly predictable.

·       Quicker Results. Since mediation can be used quite early in an argument, an agreement can generally be accessed quicker than if done through the courts.

·       Professional Support. Mediators are skilled in working with difficult situations. The mediator acts as a neutral facilitator and supports each party through the process.

·       Preservation of Relationships. Be it a commercial or family dispute, the protection of relationships can be a major advantage of mediation. Mediation helps parties focus on efficiently communicating with each other as opposed to blaming each other.

In most cases, mediation emerges as an option when all other options fail to reach a solution. Though mediation can be initiated at any level, it is recommended to start it in the initial phase of the case. The earlier it is followed, the lesser the chance of making things worse.

Mediation services can be used to reconstruct relationships after a corrective or grievance process.