Mediation is a process in which parties work together to create a mutually acceptable settlement agreement with the assistance of a neutral facilitator.  Settlement negotiations occur through a series of meetings with the mediator, who is trained to help the parties identify issues and move past impasse. 

Mediation provides a safe neutral forum for difficult conversations. As the mediator does not represent either party, she or he is not able to provide legal advice and so it is highly advisable in most cases that each party retain a lawyer to review any agreements reached during the mediation process and to draft the legal documents necessary to memorialize them. 

---