Rule 1115 For purposes of this chapter: (a) “Mediation” means a process in which a neutral person or persons facilitate communication between the disputants to …

Mediation is a way to settle a dispute without going to court. A neutral person, called a mediator, helps both sides talk through their disagreement and work toward an agreement they can both accept. The mediator does not take sides or make decisions for anyone.

A mediator can also have helpers. Anyone the mediator brings in to assist, or who talks with the parties before mediation begins, counts as part of the mediation process under this rule.

A "mediation consultation" is simply any conversation you have with a mediator about possibly starting mediation, thinking it over, or hiring that mediator. This matters because California law protects what is said during mediation and these early conversations from being used as evidence in court.