mediaatiossa

Mediaatio, often referred to as mediaatiossa in Finnish, is a voluntary and confidential process where a neutral third party, the mediator, facilitates communication and negotiation between disputing parties. The mediator does not make decisions for the parties but rather helps them explore their underlying interests, identify common ground, and brainstorm potential solutions. The goal of mediation is to empower the parties to reach their own mutually acceptable agreement.

Mediation can be applied to a wide range of disputes, including family matters, workplace conflicts, community disagreements, and commercial disputes. It is often seen as a more constructive and less adversarial approach than traditional litigation. The process typically involves an initial meeting to explain the mediation process, followed by joint sessions where parties discuss the issues and explore options. Shuttle mediation, where the mediator meets with each party separately, may also be used.

The success of mediation relies heavily on the willingness of the parties to engage in good faith and to find a resolution. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of mediation, ensuring that discussions held during the process cannot be used as evidence in court if an agreement is not reached. This encourages open and honest communication. Agreements reached through mediation are often written down and can be made legally binding.