If the parties are represented by lawyers, the lawyers may attend. Most mediators prefer either both parties to be represented or neither. If one side is represented and the other is not, the mediator may adapt the process to deal with that situation.

Parties may bring persons who can give them support – emotional or technical - during the mediation.

If persons attending a mediation represent, for example, a corporation or other organization that is a party to the dispute, they must have sufficient authority to reach agreement for that party.

It is very important that, on each side of the dispute, there should be someone with authority to settle the dispute. For example, where insurance is involved, there should be someone from the insurance company with authority to agree to pay an appropriate amount.