Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) that is becoming more and more common throughout South Carolina. In fact many South Carolina counties, including Lexington and Richland, now require mediation to be conducted prior to obtaining a final contested hearing in Circuit, Family, Magistrate Jury Trials or Probate Court. The advantages to mediation are numerous. Successfully mediating a case can bring an end to Court and litigation costs, provide finality with years of appeals and allow the parties to remain in control as to how their case is resolved.