Which resolution method is generally less formal than court proceedings and can help reach a settlement?

Mediation is indeed a resolution method that is generally less formal than court proceedings and is designed to facilitate a settlement between parties. In mediation, a neutral third party, the mediator, assists the disputing parties in communicating and negotiating an agreement. This process is inherently collaborative, encouraging open dialogue and compromise, rather than the adversarial approach often associated with court litigation.

Mediation is typically less structured than litigation because it does not involve strict rules of evidence or lengthy procedural requirements; this allows parties to express their needs and interests more freely. This greater flexibility can lead to creative solutions that address the specific concerns of both parties, often resulting in a mutually acceptable resolution without the need for a formal trial.

While arbitration and negotiation can also be less formal than litigation, arbitration is more structured and can resemble a court proceeding, as it often results in a binding decision made by the arbitrator. Negotiation is another informal method, but it doesn't involve a third-party facilitator, which distinguishes it from mediation. Mediation is specifically designed to guide parties toward a settlement, making it the most appropriate choice in this context.