Community Mediation Center of Rhode Island
What is Mediation?
Mediation is a process where the parties that disagree sit down with a neutral third party, called a mediator. They each talk about the dispute and the mediator helps them reach a solution that works for both of them.
Mediation is...
Self-determined
Participants determine an acceptable solution.
Future-oriented
Focuses on mediated and long-term solutions.
Respectful
Encourages better communication between participants.
Affordable
Costs less in money, time and emotional wear and tear
than going to court.
Effective
Higher compliance rates than decisions made by courts.
More satisfying
Participants shape the outcome
MEDIATION IS NOT a determination of who is right or wrong, and the mediator is not a decision-maker. Mediation is not an end-point -- other rights, responsibilities, and options are still available.