What does mediation involve when settling a dispute?

Mediation involves assistance from a neutral third party who facilitates communication and negotiation between the disputing parties. This approach aims to help the parties reach a mutually satisfactory agreement without a formal judgment or decision imposed by an external authority. The mediator guides the discussion, encourages understanding, and assists in finding common ground, allowing both sides to explore solutions collaboratively.

In contrast to options that imply judgment or authority, such as a final judgment by a judge, mediation is characterized by its non-binding nature and its focus on cooperation rather than confrontation or confrontation-style conflict resolution. Direct confrontation is not typically part of mediation, as this process seeks to maintain a respectful dialogue rather than escalate tensions. Additionally, while counseling sessions may occur in some contexts, they are not the same as mediation, which is specifically a structured process for resolving disputes through negotiation.