Mediation is a way of settling legal disputes, sometimes before but usually after a court case is started. Ideally, both parties try to settle the case through a neutral third person. Mediation works differently, depending on whether the case is criminal or involves custody or property and support. The amount of time people spend in mediation varies, although studies show that each mediation session typically takes 1-2 hours. Most people either settle the case or stop after one session for criminal cases, but other kinds of cases may require as many as three sessions. Mediators usually have special training in helping people solve legal disputes, and some are lawyers. The use of a lawyer-mediator, however, does not negate the need for a lawyer. Mediators may also be counselors, psychologists, social workers, or simply volunteers. There are two important differences between mediation and counseling. They cover different topics, and they have distinct confidentiality rules. Guidelines are offered to help a woman decide whether to mediate in the case of domestic abuse, and a user's checklist for mediation is provided.