dispute mediation
Neutral third-party intervention
Dispute mediation is a process where a neutral third party helps conflicting parties reach a voluntary agreement.
Unlike arbitration, the mediator doesn't impose a decision—they facilitate communication and guide negotiation.
Common in divorce proceedings, workplace conflicts, and contract disagreements: They resolved the custody arrangement through dispute mediation rather than going to court.
- caucusingMeeting to pick candidates
- opening statementFirst formal address
- reality testingAssessing perception against actuality
- shuttle diplomacyNegotiation via traveling intermediary
- cooling off periodMandated delay before finalizing
facilitation · reframing · consensus-building · BATNA · final offer · impartiality · workplace disputes · neutrality · neutral ground · active listening · trust-building · ombudsman · settlement agreements · ethical guidance · international conflicts · confidentiality agreements · confidentiality · brainstorming
dispute mediationlitigation
Legal dispute process
court battle · lawsuit · trial · legal action · suing
dispute mediationstonewalling
Deliberately refusing to respond
vendetta · warfare · feud · provocation · agitation