What is an advantage of mediated settlements?

The choice that explains an advantage of mediated settlements is that they do not appear as public court records. This confidentiality is a significant benefit of mediation compared to court proceedings, where documents and outcomes typically become part of the public record. Parties engaged in mediation can discuss their issues openly without the fear that their statements or settlements will be accessible to the public, allowing for a more frank and honest dialogue.

This privacy can encourage more creative solutions, help preserve relationships between the parties, and reduce the adverse publicity that can accompany litigation. The ability to resolve issues away from the public eye can be particularly advantageous in sensitive matters where discretion is paramount.

Other options do present benefits related to mediated settlements—such as lower costs, quicker resolution times, and potential binding agreements—but they do not specifically highlight the aspect of confidentiality that is particularly characteristic of mediation.