This statement introduces the mediator and the parties, praises the parties for their willingness to participate in seeking resolution and addressing relationship challenges, defines the function of the mediator, describes the mediation procedures including impartiality and neutrality of the mediator, explanation of the proposed mediation procedure, confidentiality and explanation of private caucuses (meetings), describes the format and agenda of the meeting and proposes behavioral guidelines/ground rules for the sessions. The mediator can then answer any questions from the parties and ask for confirmation of the joint commitment to be initiated. The mediator then shifts attention to the opening statements of the