Which statement about mediation is incorrect?

Mediation is a process designed to help parties in dispute reach a mutually agreeable solution with the assistance of a neutral third party, the mediator. The key aspect of mediation is that it is intended to facilitate dialogue and negotiation between the parties rather than impose a resolution.

The statement regarding the mediator's decision being legally binding is incorrect because, in mediation, the mediator does not have the authority to impose a decision on the parties. Instead, the role of the mediator is to guide the discussion and help the parties find common ground. Any settlement reached through mediation is only legally binding if both parties voluntarily agree to it and take the necessary steps to formalize the agreement.

This approach underscores the voluntary nature of mediation, where participants maintain control over the outcome. Both parties have the option to walk away from the mediation at any point, reinforcing the idea that mediation is a collaborative process, not one where a third party, like a judge in a court case, can dictate outcomes. Thus, the mediator's role does not extend to making decisions that are enforceable, which further supports the understanding of how mediation operates.