Mediation
A neutral facilitator helps the parties settle — nobody is forced.
What it means
Mediation brings the parties together with a neutral mediator who helps them negotiate a settlement. Unlike an arbitrator or judge, the mediator has no power to impose a decision — if the parties do not agree, the dispute continues to arbitration or court. Contracts often require mediation as a mandatory first step before anyone can escalate.
Why it matters before you sign
A mediation-first clause buys both sides a structured, lower-cost chance to settle — but it can also add weeks of delay before you can pursue binding relief, so know the timeline it imposes.
In a contract, it looks like this
Before filing any claim, the parties agree to submit the dispute to non-binding mediation with a mutually selected mediator.
This definition is a general, educational explanation — not legal advice. XOsign provides AI-assisted document tools and does not provide legal advice; consider consulting a qualified attorney for guidance on your specific situation. Requirements vary by state.
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