Are there any restrictions on the topics that can be discussed in mediation?

In Washington, there are certain restrictions on the types of topics that can be discussed in mediation. Mediation is designed to help people come to an agreement outside of court, so discussing topics related to legal disputes, such as divorce or child custody, is usually acceptable. However, certain topics are not allowed in mediation, such as those related to criminal charges and certain civil lawsuits. Additionally, topics related to issues such as domestic violence, stalking, or any type of court order cannot be discussed in mediation. Furthermore, parties must comply with the mediation confidentiality law, which states that confidential information gleaned during the mediation process cannot be disclosed to the court or any other third-party. This means that parties in mediation cannot discuss anything that was said or done during the proceedings outside of the mediation room. Ultimately, while parties can discuss a wide range of topics in mediation, there are certain restrictions that must be observed in order to ensure the process functions properly. Additionally, if either party wishes to use any of the information discussed in mediation for legal purposes, they must seek permission from the mediator first. By following all applicable rules and regulations, parties in mediation can ensure that their mediation process is successful.

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