Is mediation confidential?
General Mediation
Answer
Mediation is generally protected by confidentiality rules designed to encourage candid settlement discussions. Those rules may restrict disclosure of mediation communications and their use as evidence. However, confidentiality is not absolute and does not necessarily protect evidence that exists independently of the mediation.
Reviewed by Wayne Lazarus on September 13, 2026.
This information is educational and is not legal advice.
Reviewed by Wayne H. Lazarus, attorney with more than 50 years’ experience, member of the State Bar of Georgia and The Florida Bar, and of Alternative Dispute Resolution sections.