Two popular types of dispute resolution techniques are mediation and arbitration. Through mediation, you and the other party try too resolve the dispute with the help of a neutral third party (sometimes called a mediator). In the course of informal meetings, the mediator tries to help resolve your differences. The mediator does not make a decision; it is up to you and the other party to reach an agreement. The mediator is there to help you find a solution to your problem.

In arbitration, you present your case before an arbitrator, who makes a decision about the case. Sometimes an arbitration panel rather than one arbitrator decides the case.

You and the other party may be able to select the arbitrator beforehand. Arbitration is less formal than court, though you and the other party may appear at hearings, present evidence, or call and question each other’s witnesses. The decision may be binding and legally enforceable in court AND ARBITRATION.