What is the purpose of a mediation session?

Asked by: Scotty O'Keefe  |  Last update: July 10, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (58 votes)

Mediation is a flexible dispute resolution process in which an impartial third party facilitates negotiations between parties to help them devise their own, mutually acceptable solutions. The mediator will ask questions, reframe issues, assist the parties to understand each other, and help identify solutions.

What is the main purpose of mediation?

Mediation involves the intervention of a third person, or mediator, into a dispute to assist the parties in negotiating jointly acceptable resolution of issues in conflict. The mediator meets with the parties at a neutral location where the parties can discuss the dispute and explore a variety of solutions.

What should you not say during mediation?

Disrespectful Comments

Making unnecessary comments under your breath, having a negative attitude, or rolling your eyes won't help you. The defense team might decide they don't want to meet you halfway to reach an agreement if you mistreat them. The mediator might not want to work with you, either.

What is the downside of mediation?

Because the mediator has no power to impose a resolution of the dispute on the parties, the parties must be willing to compromise. Mediation costs money, and an unsuccessful mediation will result in additional costs of litigation. Costs are usually split between the parties.

Do most cases settle at mediation?

Since 80-90% of all cases settle during a mediation session and since most judges will now not give the parties a trial date before they have gone through the mediation process, it is important to know what mediation is and understand how mediation works.

Mediation Role Play | Mediator Opening Statement

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Who wins in mediation?

Unlike a jury verdict in a civil trial, there is no clear winner and loser in a mediation settlement. Instead, the goal of mediation is to reach a settlement in which both sides see the outcome as fair and desirable and feel that they have reached a satisfactory agreement on their own.

What is the average settlement offer during mediation?

The average settlement offer during mediation is typically 20-50% of the damages, affected by factors such as liability, damages, parties' motivation, and the mediator's influence. In the absence of an agreement, a 'Mediator's Proposal' can be introduced as a solution.

What is the hardest part of mediation?

The most difficult part of the mediation process is to get people to accept that mediation can be an effective way to resolve their dispute. Most disputes tend to be very personal and some people want their day in court, whatever the cost.

What are the risks of mediation?

Disadvantages
  • Not compulsory;
  • Concerns exist around the enforceability of a mediation agreement;
  • All parties must agree to a resolution as the result is not guaranteed;
  • Can be difficult if either party are withholding information;
  • Mediation may not be appropriate if one of the parties required public disclosure;

What are the five-five steps of mediation?

The five steps of mediation (and negotiation)
  • Preliminary stage. The first step in the process is the preliminary stage, during which you're deciding whether to mediate. ...
  • Preparation stage. ...
  • Information stage. ...
  • Negotiation stage. ...
  • Closing stage. ...
  • The takeaway.

What is the golden rule of mediation?

The Golden Rule of Mediation is to treat others as you would like to be treated during the negotiation process. It embodies the principles of fairness, respect, and collaboration, guiding parties to engage in negotiations in good faith and with a focus on achieving a mutually beneficial resolution.

Do lawyers talk during mediation?

Your lawyer – and the other party's lawyer – will be doing most of the speaking during mediation. Now, the mediatior may have questions for you, but the mediatior will likely only do so when he or she is meeting privately with you and your lawyer. We have more resources available on the topic of mediation.

What causes mediation to fail?

Mediation tends to be unsuccessful when parties are inflexible, when parties fail to communicate effectively, when parties allow their emotions to control the conversation, when one or both parties have insufficient information available, when there is an imbalance of power between the parties, or when parties have ...

Why would a judge order mediation?

Court-Ordered Mediation

This includes disputes over child custody, parenting time, or financial issues like alimony and property division. In these situations, the judge will order or mandate that both parties attend mediation to try to resolve their differences.

Should I be nervous for mediation?

Since all parties come to a mediation with an effective veto over its outcome, each party can participate in the process without fear. But each party also has a powerful incentive to find a solution that meets the needs of the other parties to the dispute.

What to say during mediation?

You are trying to persuade the other party and not the mediator, therefore speak directly to him or her. Describe particular behaviour rather than making generalizations. Avoid using words like “always” and “never.” Give concrete examples to illustrate your point of view.

Is there a downside to mediation?

Mediation also encourages collaboration and allows for creative solutions that can be tailored to meet both parties' needs. However, there are some downsides to mediation as well, including the fact that it can take more time to reach a resolution than litigation and that results are not always legally binding.

Can mediation lead to a settlement?

The answer is “sometimes,” according to a comprehensive study of court-affiliated mediation programs by Roselle L. Wissler of Arizona State University's College of Law in Tempe. Settlement rates in these programs varied widely, ranging from 27% to 63%.

What are the common mistakes in mediation?

How to Fail at Mediation
  • Come to the mediation with unreasonable expectations. ...
  • Don't prepare. ...
  • Don't trust the mediator. ...
  • Never permit an open session with all of the parties present. ...
  • Insist that everything be maintained in confidence. ...
  • Don't consider alternative approaches for resolution.

How to win a mediation case?

Mediation: Ten Rules for Success
  1. Rule 1: The decision makers must participate. ...
  2. Rule 2: The important documents must be physically present. ...
  3. Rule 3: Be right, but only to a point. ...
  4. Rule 4: Build a deal. ...
  5. Rule 5: Treat the other party with respect. ...
  6. Rule 6: Be persuasive. ...
  7. Rule 7: Focus on interests.

When should you not use mediation?

There is a power imbalance: When there is a significant power imbalance between the parties, you should avoid mediation. For example, negotiating will be difficult if one party has substantial control or influence over the other.

How to prepare for a mediation meeting?

Identify key facts, witnesses and documents and list the main arguments on liability and quantum. Be clear about your client's objectives. Prepare a short case summary for service prior to the mediation. Give consideration to a confidential settlement statement for the mediators' use only.

What is a good settlement offer?

A reasonable settlement offer is one that includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. While it varies from case to case, an experienced personal injury lawyers can help you find a reasonable amount for your case.

Who makes the first offer in mediation?

First, it is traditional for the plaintiff to start. (It confuses the defense when they don't want to; and not in a good way.) Second, plaintiff brought the case. Presumably, plaintiff knows the value of his or her claims.

What is a normal settlement amount?

The rough 'rule of thumb' that we generally use to determine the value of the average settlement agreement payout (in respect of compensation for termination of employment) is two to three months' gross salary (in addition to your notice pay, holiday pay etc., as outlined above).