What is the difference between mediation and collaboration?

Mediation and collaboration are both processes used to help people resolve disputes or disagreements. In Washington, both of these processes take place outside of the court system and involve the use of a third party to help the parties come to an agreement. However, there are some key differences between the two processes. Mediation is a process in which a neutral party facilitates communication between the parties in order to help them reach a resolution. The mediator does not take a position or make decisions for the parties, rather they help to bridge the gap and guide the parties towards a mutually beneficial solution. This process is typically confidential, meaning that the conversations and agreements reached are not part of a public record. Collaboration, on the other hand, involves the parties working together to resolve their dispute with the help of a third-party facilitator. In this process, the facilitator will guide the parties to consider a wide range of options and brainstorm solutions. The facilitator does not have the authority to make decisions for the parties and is there to ensure that the process progresses fairly and efficiently. For these reasons, mediation and collaboration are both useful processes for resolving disputes in Washington and can help parties come to agreements without the costly and time-consuming process of a traditional court case.

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