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Mediation and ADR

Party

Also called mediation party

A person or organization that takes part in a mediation and whose agreement is needed to resolve the dispute.[1]

In more detail

This is the Uniform Mediation Act's definition; others who take part are nonparty participants.[1] Florida's definition includes named parties, real parties in interest and those who would be parties if the dispute went to court, participating directly or through a representative.[2] Maryland's standards include an entity's decision-making representative.[3]

Varies by state

States define mediation parties in slightly different words. Find your state’s rules.

Related terms

  • Nonparty participantSomeone other than a party or the mediator who takes part in a mediation, such as a lawyer, expert, family member or support person.
  • Self-determinationThe parties' right to make voluntary, uncoerced and informed decisions in mediation, including whether to settle and on what terms.
  • Authority to settleThe power to agree to a settlement on a party's behalf without needing anyone else's approval.

Read next on MediationList

Sources

The official documents this definition is based on, with the date we last read each one. Definitions are in our own words.

  1. RCW ch. 7.07, Uniform Mediation Act (as enacted in Washington)app.leg.wa.govchecked ↩
  2. Fla. Stat. § 44.403 (Mediation Confidentiality and Privilege Act; definitions)leg.state.fl.uschecked ↩
  3. Maryland Standards of Conduct for Mediators (eff. Jan. 1, 2020)mdcourts.govchecked ↩

General information, not legal advice. MediationList is not a law firm. Spotted an error? Tell us.

Cite this page

Page updated

MediationList. (2026, October 28). Party: Definition. https://mediationlist.com/glossary/party/

APA 7th ed. A retrieval date is included only for pages whose content changes, such as maps, data and tools.