Whats The Difference Between Mediation And Arbitration?

A: While mediation and arbitration have a number of similarities, there are a few key differences between the two processes. In both mediation and arbitration, a neutral third party objectively listens to both sides of the story, but in arbitration, the third party (the arbitrator) comes to a legal decision regarding the issue. In mediation, the third party (the mediator) simply helps the two parties work through their legal issue and come to a mutual decision about what is best. Mediation is a common choice for those going through a divorce, while arbitration is usually utilized in more complex legal disputes. Both mediation and arbitration can be welcome alternatives to taking a legal case to court.