Benefits of Mediation
What Are The Benefits of Mediation?
Mediation usually saves you considerable money compared to going to court
You participate directly in the resolution of your dispute. It is not a deal made on your behalf between lawyers or a decision rendered by a judge.
Mediation is usually much faster for resolving conflict than court action
Because mediation is not adversarial it means you have an opportunity to preserve your relationship with the other party. For example: a customer, contractor, supplier, business partner or associate, parent, ex-spouse, colleague or employer.
You can keep the situation private and confidential. In contrast, almost all court proceedings are public affairs and a public record of the proceedings is kept.
You can become quite creative in crafting a resolution to your dispute. A variety of resolutions can be agreed between the parties that would not normally be suggested within a court of law. For example, one party may swap goods or services or provide some other non-monetary benefit to the other party. This is useful if one party does not have the financial resources to provide monetary compensation as a form of settlement.
The mediation is conducted in a private, informal, safe and comfortable professional environment that is not intimidating like a court room. This means you can be yourself and retain your confidence while speaking about the issues that are important to you.
The time is your own. The mediation does not end until the parties are ready to end it.
You can terminate the process at any time.
A mediator tries to ensure that the participants reach agreement freely, voluntarily, without undue influence, and on the basis of informed consent.
Typical conflicts and disputes that are ideally suited for mediation:
Divorce agreements (including division of assets, custody arrangements, etc.)
Business deals or arrangements
Work performed by contractors or suppliers
Unpaid or disputed bills
Workplace disputes and conflicts between employees and their employers
Workplace conflict (between employees, peers, colleagues or supervisors)
Real estate deals
Neighbourhood disputes
Landlord and tenant disputes
Homeowner and condo associations
Family disputes
Disputes over wills and the settlement of estates