In nine out of 10 cases, mediation works better than going to court.
Worried about a stressful, long-drawn out court case, with a big litigation bill at the end? Why not use our trained mediators in family, employment and civil matters who can help you resolve your case far faster, cheaper and less stressfully than litigation and appearing in court. Mediation is particularly useful when both parties want a workable solution but just cannot reach a settlement. A satisfactory resolution also allows you to walk away and still keep your relationship with the other party intact, avoiding the unpleasantness present in many litigation battles.
Mediation can fill the vacuum left by cuts to legal aid.
Guardian Solicitors finds that mediation works in nine out of 10 cases. Our clients are increasingly opting for mediation, which is now mandatory in family matters involving finance and children, before any court action is considered. Cuts in legal aid, leading to courts filling up with people representing themselves (often inadequately), may mean mediation will become a more attractive option to expensive litigation.
"The sooner mediation is considered, the better"
“The sooner mediation is considered, the better,” says Guardian Solicitors’ mediator specialist, Maxine Madderson. “If parties have spent thousands of pounds litigating before turning to mediation, they are often too invested in the litigation process for mediation to work - and the longer litigation ensues, the more entrenched people become in their position.”
When does mediation work best?
It particularly suits individuals in disputes over contracts and property boundaries, disputing couples and neighbours, and those caught up in employment issues – in fact, anything otherwise resolved through County Court proceedings.
How do I benefit from mediation?
It will save you money, time and stress – the combined, unfortunate price you may have to pay if you go to court. Choose the mediation route and you will also avoid any publicity – it’s a private process and is seen by the courts as an important step in resolving disputes. Court proceedings are viewed as a last resort.
"Both parties sit separately, in different rooms, while the mediator crosses between rooms to find middle ground"
Do we have to meet face to face?
No, both parties (including their legal representatives) sit separately, in different rooms, while the mediator crosses between rooms to find middle ground and achieve a suitable settlement. The sessions usually last a half or full day.
How much does mediation cost and are outcomes recognized in law?
Mediation costs between £750-£1,500 per party depending on how long the mediation lasts and the value of the dispute. At the end of mediation, a mediation agreement is drawn up, which has the validity of a court order. Both parties are bound by this agreement in any proceedings they were considering or had already started (the agreement includes a provision to discontinue any ongoing court proceedings).