Do you have fights at home, at work, or even perhaps with the neighbors? Then, you’ve heard of mediation. This term is a conflict-resolving process involving group discussion between persons at loggerheads, spotting their differences, and trying to reach a mutual agreement.

Not just the two parties; it involves a third party who acts as a neutral ground to hear both sides of the dispute and draw an impartial conclusion. If you’re new to the term, this article is just what you need.

We will not just describe how it works; we’ll go further into explaining how this process can benefit you. You may be currently in an argument and are aware of this term but not well-informed on how the process should play out. Read through as we highlight the stages and benefits of mediation.

How It Works

No comes into play without a dispute. It begins with you disagreeing with your spouse, friend, or even nosy neighbors. However, not all fights need to end in the courtroom. This process involves the use of a mediator and third party instead.

The mediator doesn’t play the role of deciding for you and the other person in a disagreement that’s solely left for you both. Instead, this third party assesses the situation, gives an unbiased evaluation, and helps to create room for communication, so both parties attain a common ground.

Stages Of Mediation

Mediation is less formal than getting involved and caught up in court stress, cost, and procedures. It’s a well-cut process that includes more than just a friendly mediator to help settle issues. There are the following stages to it;

• Opening Statement.

In the same way that there’s no mediation without a dispute, this process can only work with a mediator. Therefore, the procedure begins with an opening remark by the unbiased third party regarding the conflict at hand.

• Disputing Parties Statement.

After the third person’s remark, you and whoever else conflicts with you are invited to describe the situation. Plight, arguments, and possible resolutions are heard from both parties without interruption.

• Private Chat.

After both sides are heard, the mediator takes you aside privately to express yourself freely. The same private chat is also carried out with the second partner.

• Joint Negotiation.

This stage rarely happens in mediation, but the neutral person often brings both conflicting persons back together to negotiate.

• Closure.

Closure is the final stage of the process. It’s when a common ground is reached, and a resolution to the issue surfaces. If a solution is reached, it is usually documented, and if there’s a loophole, the mediator suggests another meeting.

Benefits 

• Confidentiality.

Unlike a legal court process, resolving issues is more confidential and private. Just between you, your dispute partner, and the neutral guy. No need for public processes or people to discover what is wrong.

• Lower Cost.

Without being told, courtroom processes are a lot of cost to stomach but mediation, on the other hand, is quite simple, fast, and at a lower rate.

• Sustained Relationships.

Relationships are better preserved if there is effective communication. This process does that for you. The neutral party helps you to discuss and communicate issues efficiently, which in most cases, settles all disagreements.

Conclusion 

You can apply various aspects of mediation in legal cases. Whether it’s a company, family, or friendly dispute, you can never go wrong with this resolution process. But to utilize this method, you must be well informed on how it works and its stages.

This article has highlighted that and so much more for you. So read through and be better informed on how you can settle your current disagreement. Give it a try, and be thankful you did.