A role of a mediator is to help those involved sort out their issues and arrive at a consensus.  That might involve helping parties to finalize an agreement, resolve a dispute, develop effective communications, build or improve relationships, or all of these things.  Mediators do not take sides or make decisions for you.

• The presence of a neutral third party to facilitate discussion– A resolution is not imposed by the neutral third party, rather the mediator is there to facilitate productive discussion.
• Voluntary – Participation is by voluntary agreement.
• Opportunity for early dialogue – Early discussion before possible escalation of issues.
• Opportunity to reach creative resolution – The parties, in most instances, are free to explore creative solutions to the issues presented.
• The process is confidential – Participants sign a pledge of confidentiality prior to the session, and nothing said during the mediation session will be used in future proceedings if the matter is not resolved during mediation.
• Allows the parties to take a proactive approach –  hands-on approach to resolving their issues without proceeding to the formal administrative process.

• Fast–Mediation, in most cases, will allow the parties to resolve issues much faster and with more long-term success.

• Informal – Absence of a complicated procedure, documentation, witness testimony, investigation, and formal records.