What is mediation?

Mediation is a voluntary dispute resolution process designed to bring people in conflict together in a safe environment for a face-to-face meeting to work out solutions to their differences. The meeting is facilitated by a specially trained, impartial third-person called a "mediator." The mediator encourages the parties to discuss their concerns and consider options for resolving their conflicts. Often times this improves relationships and/or keeps he conflict out of the court system, which is time-consuming and costly. Resolutions are based on the voluntary choice of the parties -- the mediator does not impose the terms of the resolutions or force the parties to agree. If the parties reach an agreement, they can document their agreement in writing and decide whether or not the agreement will be confidential.

What is conciliation?

Conciliation is another method available to resolve disputes. In a conciliation process, the Mediation Center’s case manager communicates separately with each of the parties, usually over the telephone, to help them reach a resolution. If there is a settlement, the case manager will document the agreement in writing if the parties wish. All the communications are protected as confidential.

Next: Types of conflicts we can resolve