Mediator's responsibilities

It is the mediator's responsibility to facilitate discussions and communications between the parties.  The goal is to help the parties reach an equitable settlement of their differences.

The mediator will have joint sessions with the parties as well as individual caucuses to gain insight into the issues of both parties.  The mediator is in charge of the process, keeping it on track and within the guidelines.  The parties are in charge of the outcome.

The mediator is neither judge nor jury and will not make final decisions.

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Parties' Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the parties to approach the mediation process in good faith with a willingness to resolve the issues.  Each party must be prepared to rationally discuss the issues and to work toward a resolution to the dispute.  It is the goal of the negotiating parties themselves to arrive at a win-win resolution.