Mediation is a form of negotiation used for resolving disputes in a manner in which the parties themselves determine their outcome with the assistance of a mediator. The mediator is a third party neutral, meaning he or she neither gains nor loses as a result of settlement or non‐settlement in the matter. Additionally, mediators must disclose any personal bias that would impede their ability to provide the parties with fairness and fair process.

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In the state of Colorado, mediation is a confidential, voluntary, non-binding process. This means that everything that is discussed in the mediation must remain confidential between all parties. The information disclosed in the mediation can not be used as evidence if there is a legal proceeding at some point in the future.  

 

The potential advantages of mediation is that the process can save legal cost. Usually, mediation can resolve a dispute much quicker than litigation which allows the parties to move forward with their lives. Furthermore, if participants approach mediation with an open mind and a fresh perspective, creative solutions can often times be found that leave the participants feeling that their most important interest were satisfied. In many cases, it can also help restore relationships between the parties.