
Court-based mediation
Court-based mediation is a process where a neutral third party, called a mediator, helps parties involved in a legal dispute reach an agreement without going to trial. This occurs within the court setting or under court supervision, promoting a private, cooperative resolution. The mediator facilitates communication, explores options, and encourages compromise, aiming for a mutually acceptable solution. While the court can order such mediation or offer it as an alternative to litigation, participation is voluntary unless mandated. This approach often saves time and costs, reduces stress, and preserves relationships compared to traditional courtroom adversarial proceedings.