A mediation agreement is important because:
- It sets out the ground rules
- Parties can be referred to the ground rules if they start to go off track
- People know they are making a commitment
- It gives strength to the mediator to be able to refer to the rules
- It offers protection to the parties and provides a framework
- It protects the mediator from liability for actions taken during the mediation
- It also certifies that no discussions of money laundering are taking place