In mediation, the parties meet with a trained and experienced professional mediator, who assists them with the negotiation of an Agreement.

In arbitration, a trained and experienced professional arbitrator hears evidence and argument from both parties and then makes a decision based on that evidence and argument.

Combining two processes

Mediation-Arbitration (or Med-Arb) combines the two processes into one. You must sign a mediation-arbitration agreement before you begin the mediation phase, so that you are aware of the process and its implications from the start.

Med-Arb allows you to work within the mediation process to resolve as many issues as possible and then resolve any remaining issues using the Family Arbitration process.

Med-Arb can be an effective process to help you focus your energies during the mediation process, as any issues that are not resolved in mediation will ultimately be decided in the arbitration process. It can also help to focus the arbitration in a cost and time efficient manner.