THE PROCESS

How mediation works

A side-by-side look at what changes when a dispute moves from a courtroom to a mediation table.

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

In Court

  • A judge or jury decides the outcome for you

  • Process can take months or years

  • Proceedings are part of the public record

  • Adversarial by design — one side wins, one loses

  • Legal fees accumulate regardless of outcome

1

Initial Consultation

A short conversation to understand the dispute, confirm mediation is a good fit, and schedule the first session.

Confidential

Discussions in mediation are private and generally can't be used in later court proceedings.

In Mediation

  • You and the other party shape the resolution together

  • Often resolved in a single session or a few weeks

  • Conversations stay private and confidential

  • Collaborative — built around common ground

  • Typically a fraction of the cost of litigation

2

Joint Session

Both parties meet with the mediator to lay out the issues, ask questions, and begin working toward common ground.

Faster

Many disputes reach resolution in a single session, compared to months or years in litigation.

3

Resolution

Once an agreement takes shape, it's put in writing — a clear, workable resolution both sides helped create.

Lower Cost

Without ongoing attorney hours and court fees, mediation is typically far less expensive than a lawsuit.

RESOURCES

Common questions

Short, plain-language answers to the questions that come up most before a first session.

  • Mediation is a structured conversation between people in a dispute, guided by a neutral third party — the mediator. The mediator doesn't decide who's right; they help both sides communicate clearly and find a resolution they can both agree to.

  • Once both parties agree to a resolution and put it in writing, it typically becomes a binding agreement — similar to any signed contract. Nothing is imposed on you; you only commit to terms you've agreed to.

  • Mediation is voluntary. If a resolution isn't reached, you're free to pursue other options, including litigation. Many people find that even an unsuccessful mediation clarifies the real issues and makes later steps easier.

  • It depends on the complexity of the dispute, but many business and construction disputes are resolved in a single session lasting a few hours. More complex matters may take two or three sessions.

  • No, though you're welcome to consult one beforehand or bring one along. Many people go through mediation without an attorney present, since the process is designed to be accessible without one.