An alternative form of negotiation is for the parties to attend before a neutral mediator who facilitates settlement discussions directly between the parties. The mediator will encourage settlement options and offer an opinion as to how to resolve the issues. The opinion of the mediator is just that, an opinion, and is no way binding on the parties. It is imperative that both parties have independent legal advice before proceeding to mediation.
(Tony demonstrated an interest in the mediation of Family and Divorce Conflicts over 20 years ago. Since that time, he has continued to use Collaborative Law, Interest based Negotiations and the non adversarial resolution of family law disputes to avoid trial and resolve many disputes.)