Hiring a private mediator to help resolve conflicts offers much greater flexibility in creating solutions than litigation and is much more likely to help preserve relationships.

Conflicts involving family – such as estate and probate issues – or family business disputes greatly benefit from a professional that works to both help resolve the dispute as well as maintain relationships. A private mediator provides a neutral setting where everyone can openly communicate their concerns and needs, which helps to foster better understanding, potentially leading to more creative solutions. Unlike litigation, which can be destructive and adversarial, mediation focuses on finding common ground.

Mediation is also usually more affordable than litigation, as it involves fewer formal procedures, legal representation, and court fees. The process is also usually faster than litigation. If the confidential process of mediation doesn’t result in resolution, there is still the option of taking the matter to a judge for a decision.

Because people are actively involved in the mediation process, they tend to be more satisfied with the outcome of a court-imposed decision. In addition to this, research shows that compliance with agreements reached through mediation is generally higher than that achieved through court orders.