Voluntary - You can leave at any time for any reason, or no reason.

Collaborative - You are encouraged to work together to solve your problem(s) and to reach what you perceive to be your best agreement.

Controlled - You have complete decision-making power and a veto over each and every provision of any mediated agreement. Nothing can be imposed on you.

Confidential - Mediation is confidential, to the extent you desire and agree, be that by statute, contract, rules of evidence or privilege. Mediation discussions and all materials developed for a mediation are not admissible in any subsequent court or other contested proceeding, except for a finalized and signed mediated agreement. Your mediator is obligated to describe any exceptions to this general confidentiality of mediation. Confidentiality in mediation may be waived in writing, although the mediator may retain his or her own ability to refuse to testify in any contested case. The extent of confidentiality for any "caucus meetings" (meetings between the mediator and individual parties) should also be defined.