Mediation is often seen as a peaceful alternative to litigation—a chance for parties to resolve disputes through dialogue, mutual understanding, and compromise. It’s designed to be collaborative, not adversarial. But what happens when mediation doesn’t work? When parties leave the table frustrated, resentful, and without a resolution?

The instinct may be to ask: Who’s to blame? The answer, like the process itself, is rarely simple.

Why Mediation Fails

Before pointing fingers, it’s important to understand the dynamics that can cause mediation to break down. Most failed mediations share a few common characteristics:

• Lack of genuine participation – If one or both...

Understanding the Different Formats of Mediation

Once both parties agree to proceed with mediation, the next step is to choose a format. You can opt for in-person, phone, or online mediation (e.g., using platforms like Zoom). All formats can lead to successful resolutions, but each has its strengths and weaknesses.

In-person mediation fosters a d...

Conflict can arise in many forms and affect various parties, whether in personal relationships, community affairs, or business dealings. Knowing how to manage and resolve these conflicts is essential for maintaining harmony and achieving fair outcomes. Mediation and arbitration are two popular methods used to resolve disputes. Although they share some similarities, these approaches are distinct in their processes, implications, and results. This article explores the key differences between mediation and arbitration, their roles in conflict resolution, and practical tips on choosing the right approach for different situations.

Understanding Mediation

Mediation is a voluntary process where a neu...