What is mediation?

A type of alternative dispute resolution process whereby an Independant third-party assists the disputing parties to resolve a dispute by enhancing the quality of their negotiations. The mediation process is controlled by the mediator who will guide the parties through joint and sperate meetings. The key principles of mediation are confidentiality, without prejudice, the parties control and determine the substantive discussions and outcomes, the mediator controls the process, the parties participation and continuation in the process is voluntary. Mediation may be imposed by the law or may be used as a voluntary process that the parties agree to use.