MEDIATION

a non - adversarial divorce procedure where the spouses are assisted in reaching a settlement by a neutral third party that is trained in the divorce process.

An informal, voluntary process allowing parties to work with a neutral third party (the "mediator") to develop a separation agreement. An agreement developed with a mediator is said to be a "mediated agreement."

An informal voluntary process allowing parties to work with a neutral third party (the "mediator") to develop a separation agreement. An agreement developed with a mediator is said to be a "mediated agreement."
Where appropriate, mediation is an excellent way to develop a separation agreement. Remember, the process is voluntary, so if either party refuses to continue, the mediation is terminated. Mediation requires cooperation and communication between the parties. You must trust each other financially to make full disclosure of each other’s financial condition and future earnings opportunities. Each party has his or her attorney review the agreement before it is signed.
Mediators are not marriage counselors, but may help you develop a parenting plan. We advise our clients to go this route where appropriate, but mediation is not suitable for everyone. Interestingly, more men are satisfied with the result than women who tend to believe that they would have done better before a judge.

MEDIATION - A method of alternative dispute resolution in which a neutral third party helps resolve a dispute. The mediator does not have the power to impose a decision on the parties. If a satisfactory resolution cannot be reached, the parties can pursue a lawsuit. A non-adversarial process where a neutral person (a mediator) meets with disputing persons to help them settle the dispute. The mediator, however, does not have the power to impose a solution on the parties.

Mediation is often used to help a divorcing or divorced couple work out their differences concerning alimony, child support, custody, visitation and division of property. Some lawyers and mental health professionals employ mediation as part of their practice. Six states require mediation in custody and visitation disputes. Eighteen states allow courts to order mediation while one state permits voluntary mediation. A few states have started using mediation to resolve financial issues as well.

The act of some mutual friend of two contending parties, who brings them to agree, compromise or settle their disputes.

MEDIATOR - One who interposes between two contending parties, with their consent, for the purpose of assisting them in settling their differences. Sometimes this term is applied to an officer who is appointed by a sovereign nation to promote the settlement of disputes between two other nations.
   

This entry contains material from Bouvier's Legal Dictionary, a work published in the 1850's.

The most popular form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), mediation involves the appointment of a mediator who acts as a facilitator assisting the parties in communicating, essentially negotiating a settlement. - (read more on Mediation)