Mission of the Upstate Mediation Network

The Mission of the Upstate Mediation Network is to promote the use of quality mediation services in the upstate region of South Carolina; to educate and inform the public about the benefits of mediation; to provide continuing education on mediation; and to be a clearinghouse of information about mediation and other forms of conflict resolution.

What is Mediation?

Mediation is a confidential decision-making process in which a neutral third party (mediator) facilitates the communications between disputants by guiding the process towards a voluntary and mutually acceptable resolution of their conflict or issues. The mediator does not make recommendations or decisions. Any resolution of the conflict or issues is determined by the disputing parties.

Mediation is private and practical and gives the disputants control of the expenses and the place and timing of their negotiations. A successful mediation can reduce legal expenses, time spent in litigation, the stress and frustration associated with litigation, and the uncertainty of a decision reached by a judge or jury. Mediated agreements help to preserve relationships between parties and have better "staying power" than court ordered structures or traditionally negotiated settlements. No legal rights are waived by participation in mediation.

Other Forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution