The Process Of Mediation – How Does It Work?

It’s inevitable that at some point in our lives, we are likely to find ourselves in an argument or dispute that simply will not resolve itself without outside intervention. Whether it’s a dispute with a neighbour over land issues, a conflict with a service provider or arguments about inheritance, partnerships and dissolutions, when two parties don’t see eye to eye things can get very heated.

When tensions are high, it can become impossible to see the light at the end of the tunnel or find a solution that works for all. Of course, there is always recourse to go to court for a judge to decide, but this can often make the problem worse and could result in outcomes that suit neither party, not to mention being somewhat costly.

Mediation – A Balanced Solution

This is where the process of mediation services such as those provided by the experts at Company Mediation can be hugely beneficial. Not only does each party have their say, but an independent, fully trained mediator will also be there to listen, help both parties understand and discuss the issues calmly and productively to reach a decision.

In civil or commercial disputes, an expert mediator can help conflicted parties reach compromises that both sides can accept or live with. We should mention that these are willing arrangements and not legally binding, which undoubtedly helps remove the stress of a courtroom from the process and enables greater opportunity for better decisions.

How does mediation work?

In general, the mediation process follows the below steps:

1. One party contacts us to request mediation services
2. An agreement is made with all parties to use mediation rather than taking the matter to the courts, although this remains an option if mediation should fail for some reason.
3. Company Mediation conducts individual meetings with the parties involved to pinpoint the core issues.
4. We will then arrange and host a meeting with all sides to understand further how the  conflict has occurred and the desired outcomes
5. Further discussions will be arranged with each party independently with a view to reaching a conclusion that each party is happy with.
6. Where necessary, further group and individual meetings are held to facilitate a successful conclusion whereby each party feels they have had a chance to air their views, to be listened to and to be satisfied with the outcome achieved.

Where it is evident no agreement or outcome can be achieved, we will be able to assess that no mediation solution was completed, which can be a requirement should legal action and court proceedings follow.

Who is mediation suitable for?

Company Mediation provides services for individuals, companies and groups.

We don’t act as lawyers, and our mediation service is considerably cheaper and more effective for many issues in the civil and commercial arena. We are here to speak your language and help you find a solution to the problem. We do not pass judgement, disclose confidential conversations or push anyone into an outcome they are not happy with. We are there to assist you and see things from a different perspective as an outsider to the dispute. This is often far easier to achieve than parties first think and we certainly succeed in around 95% of the mediation cases we work with.

The choice of how to settle a dispute is yours, but going through mediation could help to preserve a business or civil relationship, rather than souring it completely by heading straight to the courts. If you’re dealing with conflict and need some assistance, why not reach out to the team at Company Mediation, to see if we could help provide a solution.