A social system which has to be mediated, never behaves completely static and predictable, but rather open, dynamic and trial-like. To capture this process somehow, the distinction of certain stages of mediation is helpful, since these stages may require different possibilities and tasks to the parties concerned. The model of stages with its five stages of mediation is an analytical scale (not a strict pattern) and serves as a grid or guide for mediators. For mediators, the detailed knowledge of the possible stages of mediation and their consequences is essential.