Mary Ann Foster, Mediator

Mediation is a voluntary process where a neutral mediator facilitates communication and negotiations among people who are involved in a dispute. The mediator sets ground rules for a structured process in a safe environment and helps the people involved determine their needs, identify all of the issues, prioritize needs and desires, and determine what kind of resolution will work best for all parties. The mediator does not solve the dispute or tell the parties what to do, but helps the parties generate their own possible solutions and reach a mutually acceptable agreement. A written agreement may be drafted.