Mediation could help you bring an end to stress and expenditure related to a dispute.

Mediation is likely to be a faster and cheaper route than going to court and can be used across a wide range of disputes including consumer, civil / commercial contract, workplace, employment, family, community and ecumenical. Mediation is encouraged significantly by the courts and the Ministry of Justice. Read this speech from the Minister of State for Justice.

Mediations follow trusted processes to help parties resolve their dispute. Mediations are flexible and are tailored to each case; typically they operate over a single day facilitated by a mediator (sometimes with a co-mediator or assistant). Multi-day sessions can be deployed for complex cases or longer-term engagements. Mediators facilitate joint meetings between parties and individual meetings with each party to help build consensus, test scenarios, share information about the dispute and explore opportunities for settlement. The mediator always remains neutral to the dispute and will not impose a settlement and the parties always remain in control of the outcome.

One very important fact about mediations is that they are completely confidential. Information is only shared between parties either in joint sessions or where permission is given to the mediator. Any information discussed within the mediation cannot be used in court or other legal action issued at a later date. In essence, they present a great opportunity to explore ideas for settlement in a managed environment.

If the parties decide to settle then a settlement agreement will be drawn up and where appropriate the parties’ solicitors will subsequently ask the court to formally close any active claim. Mediation does not however take away any person’s or company’s right to seek justice through the courts.

Mediations can be quick to arrange. If you think mediation could help you please contact Stephen to discuss your situation.