Mediation is a legal process of solving disputes with the help of an impartial third party, referred to as a mediator. It can be a viable alternative to traditional litigation in many cases, as it is often less expensive and complicated than a court proceeding. However, it’s important to determine whether the process is right for you before moving forward.

How Does Mediation Work?

Mediation tends to be an informal process, although there are a few distinguishing features. In most cases, the mediator will begin by discussing the pertinent rules and terms. Next, each party will give their version of events without interruptions from the other party. The mediator will then respond, either with all involved parties or to each participant individually.

What Is the Next Step?

After giving their respective views on the issue, the two sides have the opportunity to negotiate and find a mutually agreeable outcome. If they can reach an agreement, the terms will be laid out in a document and signed for the record. If a compromise cannot be reached, traditional litigation will be necessary. In both cases, the parties involved are advised to contact a lawyer to ensure their rights are upheld.

What Are the Benefits?

There are a few key benefits associated with mediation. As mentioned above, the process tends to be less costly than pursuing litigation right away. Mediation sessions are also private and usually take less time to resolve than a hearing might. There is also more room for compromise during mediation than litigation since important decisions are often left to the discretion of a judge.

If you have questions about pursuing mediation to resolve a legal concern, then Williams, Hall & Latherow, LLP is ready to assist you. Schedule a consultation with this Ashland, KY, law firm by calling (606) 329-1919 today. Visit the attorneys online to learn more about their practice areas.