Mediation Terms and Definitions

Alternative (or Appropriate) Dispute Resolution (ADR) Used narrowly to refer to a set of alternatives to litigation including mediation, arbitration, and summary jury trials. Used broadly it refers to all methods which resolve conflicts between parties by a means other than an adversarial or judicial process. Conciliation This term has significantly different definitions depending upon the context. It refers to substantially different processes in federal and state statutes pertaining to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), domestic relations court, and public employee collective bargaining procedures. Conflict Management A philosophy and set of skills designed to assist people in better understanding and dealing with conflict as it arises in all aspects of our lives. Third Party (Neutral) A term used to describe an impartial person, group, or organization that assists disputing parties in reaching a resolution. Mediators, arbitrators, facilitators, and conciliators are all considered third party neutrals. Co-mediation Mediation process in which there are two mediators who simultaneously or jointly conduct the process. Used in cases where mediators with different areas of expertise would be useful, when there are multiple parties involved, and/or to model cooperation and gender/ethnicity balance. Consensus method of seeking the resolution of a multiple-party conflict or dispute, relying upon equal participation of all parties. The end goal is to develop an agreement, usually without voting, that all of the participants can live with. Assessment An impartial analysis of a conflict situation conducted with an eye towards determining potential paths by which parties may reach a resolution of their conflict. Collaborative Problem Solving Process by which people work together to define a problem, generate options, and identify objective criteria to reach a decision. It can, but doesn't necessarily, include the aid of a third party. Confidentiality Provides that information shared during the course of a dispute resolution process is deemed private and is not to be revealed to anyone outside of the process. Policy Dialogue Informal discussion of public policy issues incorporating many different interested parties. This process usually clarifies key issues, and increases understanding between groups that are often publicly opposed to one another

If you decide to retain a mediator in Rhode Island and want begin the Rhode Island mediation process, contact one of our experienced Rhode Island mediation attorneys today!

	Did You Know?
	Mediation has many qualities that make it appealing. In most cases, mediation is: conciliatory fair quick inexpensive voluntary confidential Mediation also has several key benefits. It promotes: greater participant control customized agreements workable decisions mutually satisfactory outcomes improved relationships high rates of compliance decisions that hold up over time