<p>Ideally, the sooner the better, before parties incur the expense and emotional turmoil of litigation. Parties often think mediation isn&rsquo;t necessary until things suddenly escalate and, before you know it, they are going to court. If you are already in litigation, it&rsquo;s still not too late. Many cases settle out of court or just before trial. Therefore it&rsquo;s never too late to mediate.</p>