MAKING THE MOST OF COURT-ORDERED MEDIATION

In recent years, court ordered mediation has become a significant part of the litigation process. Many states and court systems are moving t oward the increased use of alternative dispute resolution procedures-t o speed decisions and save tax dollars. The author points out why judg es increasingly are making mediation a condition precedent to trial an d highlights the elements of this process that puts control fully into the hands of the parties.