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In 2024, the average cost of divorce in the UK stood at £17,561, and with inflation it’s only getting more expensive.
Why choose mediation over court?
Mediation is a structured, voluntary process where an independent and impartial mediator helps individuals or groups in conflict to reach a mutually acceptable resolution. Unlike court proceedings, which can be costly, time-consuming, and adversarial, mediation focuses on collaboration, confidentiality, and fairness. It allows parties to have control over the outcome, rather than having a decision imposed by a judge. Mediation is widely used in family disputes, workplace conflicts, commercial disagreements, and community issues, offering a practical alternative to litigation.
Our Mediation Focus
1. Family Mediation
Family mediation is commonly used in cases of separation, divorce, child arrangements, and financial settlements. It helps parents and couples resolve disputes about co-parenting, division of assets, child maintenance, and property matters in a structured and supportive environment. Mediators facilitate open discussions, ensuring that both parties’ views are heard while focusing on solutions that work for everyone involved, especially children.
2. Workplace Mediation
Workplace mediation helps resolve conflicts between employees, teams, or management, addressing issues like harassment, discrimination, communication breakdowns, or contractual disputes. It is a confidential and voluntary process that encourages open dialogue, restoring professional relationships while preventing costly and disruptive tribunal claims.
The Principles of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Mediation is a key form of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), which promotes out-of-court settlements in a fair and efficient manner. The key principles of ADR and mediation include:
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Voluntary Participation – Parties engage in mediation by choice, fostering a more cooperative approach to conflict resolution.
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Neutrality & Impartiality – Mediators remain unbiased, guiding discussions to ensure balanced decision-making.
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Confidentiality – Discussions in mediation remain private, unlike court proceedings, which are public.
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Control Over Outcomes – Unlike litigation, where a judge makes the final ruling, mediation empowers parties to reach their own agreement.
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Cost-Effective & Time-Saving – Mediation is significantly cheaper and faster than going to court, reducing financial and emotional stress.
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Future-Focused Solutions – Mediation is about finding practical, forward-thinking solutions, rather than dwelling on past grievances.
Why Choose Mediation Over Court?
Mediation offers a less confrontational, more cost-effective, and time-efficient alternative to resolving disputes compared to court proceedings. It preserves relationships, minimizes stress, and allows parties to craft their own solutions instead of having a legally binding decision imposed on them. Courts increasingly encourage mediation before litigation, recognizing its effectiveness in reducing conflict and promoting long-term resolution.
If you are facing a dispute—whether family-related, workplace-based, or commercial—consider mediation as a faster, fairer, and more constructive way to reach a resolution. Contact us today to find out how mediation can help you move forward.
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Mediation and ADR FAQs
What is Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), and how does it differ from going to court? ADR refers to methods of resolving disputes without going to court, including mediation, arbitration, and conciliation. It is typically faster, more cost-effective, and less adversarial than litigation, allowing parties to retain control over the outcome rather than having a decision imposed by a judge
Is mediation legally required before taking a dispute to court in the UK? In many cases, particularly in family disputes, attending a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is a legal requirement before applying to court, unless an exemption applies. For civil and commercial disputes, courts strongly encourage mediation and may penalise parties for refusing to mediate without good reason
How long does mediation take compared to a court case? Mediation is significantly quicker than court proceedings. A mediation session can take place within weeks, and many disputes are resolved in one or two sessions. In contrast, court cases can take months or even years, especially if they go to trial
What happens if mediation does not result in an agreement? If mediation is unsuccessful, parties retain the right to proceed to court or arbitration. The mediation process remains confidential, so discussions cannot be used as evidence in court. Mediators can issue an FM1 form (for family cases) or a certificate stating that mediation was attempted but did not result in an agreement
Is mediation legally binding in the UK? No, mediation agreements are not automatically legally binding. However, parties can formalize their agreement through a solicitor, who can draft a Consent Order (for family cases) or a Settlement Agreement (for commercial disputes), making the terms enforceable by a court