Your Questions Answered

Mediation is generally quicker, less stressful and more cost effective than going to court.

It is a confidential, flexible, and consensual process that involves the parties to a dispute meeting in person or online with a neutral third person known as the mediator.

The aim of the parties in mediation will be to find a mutually agreeable resolution to their dispute or problem. Most people (around 80%) leave mediation with an agreement of some type and are satisfied by their experience.

Almost all types of disputes can be resolved through mediation, including:

Most civil mediations are concluded in one day. However, some some people might want to have more than one session, and if both parties agree to it, then that is entirely acceptable.

If you reach an agreement following mediation that is signed by both parties, then the agreement is legally binding.

If an agreement is not reached, then you may still be able to take your case to court and pursue any other legal remedy available to you.

In mediation there are open sessions where both parties are in the same room with the mediator and closed sessions where the mediator will talk with both sides separately to listen to their version of events.

The mediator’s role is to provide a safe space for both parties to have an effective conversation with each other.

The mediator and both parties will be present at the mediation. The parties may or may not be joined by their lawyers, advisers, or friends.

You do not need a solicitor to represent you in mediation. Some participants choose to have a solicitor present whereas others do not. It is entirely a matter of personal preference.

Yes, remote mediation is a process of mediating online through computer software or by telephone.

Remote mediation can take place on many different platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams. It gives the mediator and the participants maximum flexibility and has also proven to reduce stress and anxiety in attending mediation in this way.

One of the main benefits of remote mediation is reduction in travel and all participants having to meet at one geographical location.

It will depend on the type of mediation and the complexity of the dispute. You should ask your mediation provider what their costs are in advance of the mediation.

Yes, mediation is confidential. What you say during mediation and the outcome at the end can only be shared if everyone agrees to it.

In mediation all conversations are ‘without prejudice’ – which means that what has been said at mediation cannot be used in court, should the dispute go that far.

In civil disputes, you can also decide what information is shared with the other party.

It will depend upon the type of dispute, but typically both sides pay an equal share of the fee.

I am able to offer mediation services in most types of civil, commercial, and community disputes.

Yes, I offer a free initial telephone consultation.

The purpose of this is  to find out more about your current situation, explore what issues you are facing, and consider how I might be able to assist you with mediation.

Following our initial discussions, if I feel that I can assist you with mediation then we can look at the availability of both parties and book a mediation session that is convenient for all participants.

The mediation session will then be diarised and confirmed in writing to everyone that will be attending the mediation.

Mediation sessions can take place either remotely or at pre-agreed meeting rooms that are easily accessible to the participants.

I am based in Manchester but can offer mediation services remotely throughout the country.

All necessary information for your preparation will be provided to you in writing well in advance of the mediation session. The information will cover the process and procedure of your mediation so that you understand and are comfortable with how your mediation will be conducted on the day.