Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in which the parties keep the decision making authority, but are assisted by a neutral mediator in coming to agreements. Mediation may or may not be ordered by a court, but when successful, it always results in avoiding significant financial loss and damage to relationships.

With Minnesota Mediation Services, the process starts after a free initial consultation with each party. Some cases can be completed in one session, but most cases where multiple issues are involved require two or more sessions. Sessions can be conducted with the parties in the same room or in separate rooms (referred to as “caucusing”), depending on the needs of each party. Once an agreement is reached on the issues, a Mediation Agreement is signed by the parties, creating a binding contract, which is then reduced to a filing document by legal counsel.