What is the difference between mediation and negotiation?

Mediation and negotiation are two processes that can be used to help resolve disagreements between two or more parties. Both processes involve the parties working together to come to an acceptable agreement or resolution. However, there are differences between the two. Negotiation is a more informal process. It involves the parties involved discussing their issues and attempting to come to a mutually agreeable resolution. The parties involved can take as much or as little time as they need to come to an agreement. Mediation, on the other hand, is a formal process. In California, it is governed by state law and is often used to settle disputes. The mediation process involves one or more neutral third parties, known as the “mediator”, who are responsible for helping the parties come to an agreement. While the mediator helps guide the discussion and works to get both parties to an agreement, it is ultimately up to the parties to decide. The key difference between mediation and negotiation is that mediation is a more structured process that is based on state law. Negotiation is less structured and more flexible, allowing the parties to work together to come to an agreement on their own terms.

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