What Is Mediation?
What is mediation?
Mediation is a private, structured conversation where a neutral mediator helps people discuss a dispute, understand the decisions in front of them, and explore possible resolution. The mediator does not decide the outcome for the parties.
Last updated May 2026
Key Points
The short version.
- The mediator is neutral and does not represent either side
- The parties keep control over whether an agreement is reached
- Mediation can happen before, during, or after litigation depending on the dispute
- Virtual mediation can work when parties are in different locations
- Mediation is not legal advice, therapy, arbitration, or a court decision
What mediation is for
Mediation is used when people need help having a productive settlement conversation. It can be useful in divorce, family, post-decree, commercial, insurance, personal injury, partnership, landlord-tenant, franchise, and contract disputes.
The process gives people a structured place to talk through practical options without handing the decision to the mediator.
What mediation is not
Mediation is not a trial, arbitration, therapy, legal representation, or a guarantee of settlement. A mediator does not decide legal rights, force anyone to agree, or tell either side what terms they must accept.
Legal, financial, tax, insurance, medical, therapeutic, or business advice should come from the appropriate professionals.
Frequently asked questions
These answers explain mediation generally. They are not legal, financial, tax, insurance, claims-handling, valuation, business, therapeutic, mental health, or parenting advice.
Is mediation legally binding?
The mediation conversation itself is not the same as a court order. If parties reach terms, those terms may need to be documented, reviewed, signed, filed, approved, or incorporated into a legal process depending on the dispute.
Does the mediator decide who is right?
No. The mediator helps structure the conversation and negotiation, but the parties keep decision-making authority.
Related Services
Connect this answer to the right process.
Mediation looks different depending on the dispute. These pages explain Flannel People Mediation's core service areas.