The earlier a dispute goes to mediation, the more likely it can be settled. The longer people are involved in disputes, the more they become committed to their positions and are less willing to consider other points of view. Here are a few ideas as to when mediation may be considered helpful:

• There is an issue in dispute;
• All parties to the dispute are willing to meet and try to settle it;
• The parties have some trust in each other;
• Parties want a flexible and informal process;
• No party can ignore the problem;
• Other options for resolving the dispute are too expensive or too slow;
• The case requires a creative solution; or
• The parties would prefer to settle the dispute in private.