We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Law

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Mediation Agreement?

By Sara Libby
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 12,517
Share

A mediation agreement is a contract in which parties engaged in a conflict agree to try to settle their dispute out of court. This process uses the help of a neutral third party, also known as a mediator. Before getting started with the actual mediation, involved parties often sign a mediation contract which lays out the ground rules for the mediation. These ground rules might put a cap on the amount of time the parties will allow for the mediation and, usually, a confidentiality clause. The document also includes information such as when and where the mediation will take place. This mediation agreement which starts off the process, is usually modified at the end of a successful mediation to include the terms of the resolution as well.

Mediation is a type of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Other types of ADR include conciliation and arbitration. Like conciliation, mediation is a type of conflict resolution that gives the disputing parties greater power in resolving their issues themselves. In addition to this greater decision making role in the conflict resolution process, mediation is also typically associated with lower costs and hassles than litigation.

There are several types of mediation, including facilitative mediation, transformative mediation, and evaluative mediation. They largely differ based on the role that the mediator has. In facilitative mediation, the mediator does not offer his or her opinion of the conflict, but in evaluative mediation, he or she does. Regardless of the type of mediation, the mediator does not decide the outcome as a judge or arbitrator would. The mediator's role is simply to facilitate the process and try to bring the parties to some kind of resolution.

To help the mediation process, mediators often use mediation agreements at the beginning of the process to lay some ground rules. These agreements can be used in any type of mediation and are often used by spouses seeking a divorce. Neither party to the mediation can be forced to sign a mediation agreement, but once one is signed it can be deemed a legally binding contract. While the production of an agreement is often the mark of a successful mediation, not every successful mediation started off with such a formal agreement.

A typical mediation agreement allows each party to to have legal representation at the mediation. Mediators, however, usually are barred from providing legal advice or legal representation for either party during the process. The contract will also usually include an agreed-upon rate or fee for the mediator. A code of conduct for the mediation might also be spelled out to help get the parties to engage honestly and openly, thereby ensuring a smooth process.

A framework is typically built into the mediation agreement outlining the key and relevant points in dispute, emphasizing the mutual interest of both parties to reach a resolution, and including a general statement that resolution has been reached. Once a provisional solution has been reached, it will be written into the mediation agreement, along with any necessary revisions. Finally, both parties sign the document.

Since both parties work to clearly define the steps necessary to resolve the conflict, mediation agreements are usually more collaborative and mutually beneficial than a finding made by a court officer. Settlements reached during the mediation process might need to be approved by a court, or altered to adapt to local laws, customs and circumstances. In the worst cases, a mediation agreement might have to be presented in court to be enforced, if one of the parties fails to live up to his or her end of the agreement.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-mediation-agreement.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.