Mediation

What is mediation?

Mediation is a process in which a neutral person, a mediator, works with people in a dispute to communicate with one another, understand each other, and if possible reach agreements that satisfy the participants' needs.

Mediation is a voluntary process that allows the participants to develop an agreement that will work for everyone involved. By agreeing to mediation, the participants do not give up their legal rights.

Why should I consider mediation?

There are many reasons that people chose mediation either before or after entering the litigation system. Such reasons include:
o Ability to determine your own outcome to the dispute
o Resolve the dispute in less time
o Save money
o Preserve relationships- this can be especially important in family and business situations
o Confidentiality protections
o Can still pursue other avenues of resolution if no agreement is reached

Is my dispute appropriate for mediation?

Almost any civil dispute is appropriate for mediation even if other methods have already been tried. Mediation is often used for landlord and tenant situations, family disagreements, neighbor conflicts, and employer/employee disputes. Increasingly mediation is utilized for high value contractual disagreements, medical malpractice and insurance claims, and administrative hearings.

The trained intake staff at C-DRUM will work with you to determine if mediation is the correct process for your situation.

How do I arrange a mediation or get more information?

You may schedule a mediation session or place further inquiries to the Center for Dispute Resolution at the University of Maryland School of Law at 410-706-3836 or by sending an email to

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