What might be a typical outcome of mediation?

In mediation, the typical outcome is a collaborative agreement between the disputing parties. Mediation is a voluntary process where a neutral third-party mediator facilitates discussions between the parties to encourage resolution of their disputes. The goal of mediation is to help the parties communicate their needs and interests and work towards a mutually agreeable solution.

This outcome reflects the essence of mediation as a constructive process aimed at foster cooperation and understanding, rather than imposing a solution or verdict. Unlike a court order or a verdict, which are based on legal determinations by a judge or arbitrator, the agreement produced in mediation is created and accepted by both parties, making it more likely to be adhered to in the future.

In contrast, a legally binding court order is imposed by a judge and does not require the mutual consent that a collaborative agreement does. A criminal verdict is the decision rendered by a court regarding a person’s guilt or innocence, unrelated to civil disputes often resolved through mediation. An appellate decision refers to a ruling made by an appellate court reviewing a lower court's decision, which is a different process entirely from mediation.