A typical mediation progresses through the following stages:

• Preparing for mediation: Attorneys submit a brief written statement prior to the session.
• Initial joint session: The mediator explains the process, hears short presentations from the parties, asks questions about issues and interests.
• Separate sessions: The mediator often meets privately with each party to explore interests and concerns, both legal and non-legal.
• Subsequent separate and joint sessions: The mediator helps parties develop options and evaluate alternatives.
• Completing the process: The mediator will outline the agreement to be written in final form by the attorneys. The agreement may, but need not be submitted to the court and the case will be dismissed. If no agreement is reached, the case returns to the active court docket.