Mediation is an alternative means of resolving disputes rather than filing a lawsuit or, if a lawsuit has already been filed, rather than going to trial. Oftentimes in Idaho, if a lawsuit has been filed, judges will order that the case be mediated before the case is allowed to proceed to trial. Mediation is basically a process where a trained independent person gets the parties to a dispute together and helps them come to a mutual resolution of their dispute. Thomsen Stephens Law Offices, PLLC, has substantial experience representing individuals in mediation. Further, Alan C. Stephens of the firm is a professionally trained mediator and is on the Idaho Federal Court and Idaho Supreme Court list of approved civil mediators for the State of Idaho. Mr. Stephens not only represents clients as an advocate in mediation but is also appointed by judges to act as the mediator of a dispute and is hired by individuals, other law firms and companies to act as an independent mediator to help parties resolve their disputes.

There are many reasons why mediation is preferable to litigation. The list actually could almost be endless but consider the following:

1. Substantial expense is saved.
2. The risk of trial, which includes adverse verdicts and appeals, is avoided..
3. A settlement obtained through mediation is under the control of the parties at the mediation. No settlement can occur unless everyone agrees.
4. Remedies can be fashioned that the judicial system cannot provide.
5. A resolution can be reached much sooner than waiting for trial, and then sometimes appeals, so people can go on with their lives.
6. Many times through mediation hard feelings can be overcome and relationships preserved that litigation may destroy.