- The mediator shall provide mediation services only when the participants have given their informed consent to participate in the specific mediation process offered by the mediator.
- The mediator shall disclose to the participants all information about the mediator and his/her services necessary to enable the participants to make an informed decision whether to use or continue the services of the mediator and whether to participate in the specific mediation process. The mediator shall explain the mediation process and the roles of the mediator, the participants, and their representatives. The mediator shall also disclose information regarding conflicts of interest, relationships, confidentiality and fees as specified in these Standards.
- The mediator shall make reasonable efforts throughout the mediation to assure that the participants are free and able to make choices regarding participation in mediation generally and regarding options for reaching agreement.
- The mediator's duty to disclose is a continuing obligation throughout the process. All disclosures shall be truthful and shall not mislead by omission.
- The mediator should make the participants aware of the importance of consulting other professionals to help them make informed decisions.
- If one or more of the participants withdraws from a multi-participant mediation, the mediator may continue the mediation as long as the remaining participants give their informed consent.
