All of the following are true about mediation, except:

The correct answer identifies a key characteristic of mediation that differentiates it from binding arbitration or court decisions. In mediation, the mediator serves as a neutral facilitator who helps the parties communicate and negotiate a resolution. However, the mediator does not have the authority to impose a decision on the parties, which means the mediator's recommendations or suggestions are not legally binding.

The essence of mediation is voluntary; both parties maintain control over the outcome and can walk away from the process at any time. For any agreement reached during mediation to be legally binding and enforceable, both parties must explicitly agree to the terms of the settlement. Thus, mediation emphasizes collaboration and mutual agreement rather than having a decisive ruling imposed by the mediator. This aspect clarifies the nature of mediation as a voluntary and flexible dispute resolution method rather than a formal adjudication process.