Paul Gardener

Mediation, is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), and is a way of resolving disputes between two or more parties.

A third party, the mediator, assists the parties to negotiate their own settlement.

Mediation has a structure, timetable and dynamics that ordinary negotiation lacks. The process is private and confidential. The presence of a mediator is the key distinguishing feature of the process.

A mediator will not decide on the case, but will assist in attempting to bring the parties of a dispute to an agreement suitable to both sides.

Unless signed by all parties, a decision of the mediator is not binding.