Mediation

Mediation is a process in which a neutral third party, the mediator, helps resolve a conflict by facilitating a voluntary agreement between the parties. The mediator eases communication between the parties, helps them understand each other's positions and interests more deeply, and looks for effective ways to solve the problem, giving the parties the chance to reach a compromise.

That's what the textbook says. In reality, mediation is a tool that lets clients save time, nerves, money and relationships — and what's left of their mutual respect.

Family mediation in dividing property or arranging contact with children is faster than court. It's a chance to establish at least basic communication between the parties and to give maximum weight not only to material matters but also to the moral and ethical questions concerning shared children.

Corporate mediation saves time and nerves and, most importantly, keeps the conflict out of the public eye — resolving it with the least reputational damage and loss of human resources.