Mediation is a process where a mediator or neutral party facilitates the negotiation of a settlement agreement between the parties involved in litigation. The court may require that the parties attend mediation prior to trial for the purpose of resolving all or some of the pending issues in a more expeditious, practical and less costly manner. Mediation effectively resolves most family law and civil disputes, reduces the costs of litigation and empowers the parties to resolve their own issues without the need for trial.