Litigating any dispute does not provide either party with satisfactory results. One party is always the loser when it comes to litigation, but most people do not understand that the winner is also a loser. The winning party may have received a judgment in his or her favor, but at the cost of thousands in attorneys' fees, and months and often years of pre-trial motions, discovery and settlement attempts. The worst part of litigation is that it is emotionally exhausting for both parties. When parties enter into litigation there is often a great deal of tension and animosity between them. The litigation process is so stressful that the tension and animosity worsens.

Mediation aims at reducing this tension, not increasing it. With the help of the mediator, parties to a dispute negotiate their own settlement and learn the techniques for resolving future differences. Mediation is for parties who want to retain control over the decisions that affect their lives or their businesses. When parties resolve their conflicts through mediation, they feel satisfied and have a better understanding of the other party.

Mediators show people how to work together productively in spite of their anger. Mediation is especially helpful in cases where the parties must have a continuing relationship. Neighbors, employers and employees, businesses and vendors or clients will all benefit by resolving their disputes while preserving and even mending their relationships.

During mediation other professional services are sometimes needed. We maintain a wide network of consultants including accountants, lawyers, financial planners, career counselors, psychotherapists and child psychologists, all who are familiar with the mediation process.

• Negotiations take place with the assistance of an unbiased mediator who facilitates the discussions

• Both parties are made to feel safe and comfortable in each other's presence

• It allows the parties to take charge of their lives and design a plan for their future if they must have a continuing relationship

• It facilitates, promotes and improves communication between the parties

• Positional and hard bargaining tactics are not allowed

• It promotes understanding by allowing the parties to exchange views and information

• It reduces tension and hostility between the parties

• It encourages co-operation and trust

• The parties are given the opportunity to express their feelings associated with the dispute

• The position of the other party is not filtered through lawyers, which often enflames the dispute

• The parties control outcome

• Courts are limited to the type of solutions they can impose. The parties to mediation have limitless options and can agree on creative alternatives to the rigid court imposed options.

• Mediated settlements generally work better because the parties worked co-operatively to arrive at a mutually satisfactory agreement, rather than experiencing the adversarial process to reach a third-party imposed decision

• It preserves relationships

• Empowers the parties to solve their own dispute and find a compromise that works for both of them. A mutually acceptable solution lets both parties be winners and respect each other