Mediation

Mediation is an alternative form of dispute resolution. It is a way to resolve conflicts outside of court. A neutral person, the mediator, works with the involved parties to find a sustainable solution in everyone's interest. Mediation is a process where a mediator helps to resolve disagreements over necessary arrangements among the parties involved in the mediation.

Why mediation?

When a conflict escalates, taking it to court is often the usual solution. A legal procedure is initiated that often lasts a very long time and is quite expensive. Moreover, the outcome of a procedure is very uncertain. Therefore, mediation is recognized as a full-fledged alternative for settling disputes. The parties voluntarily participate and, together with the mediator, seek a mutually agreed solution to their problem.

Benefits of Mediation: Faster, Cheaper, More Sustainable

A mediation process is faster than a court proceeding. It is not surprising that mediation is often much cheaper than hiring a lawyer for a legal procedure. The parties only have to bear one cost, that of the mediator, and they share this cost together.

The parties actively seek a viable solution together with the mediator. Given that the result must be supported by all involved, the aim is for a win-win situation. Therefore, an agreement reached through mediation to settle a dispute is generally more sustainable than a judge's ruling. A sustainable agreement significantly reduces the chance of a new procedure.

How Does Mediation Work?

After an introductory meeting between the parties and the mediator, where the latter explains what mediation involves and how the process works, all parties sign a mediation protocol. Each of the parties then has time and the opportunity to explain their views and positions in the conflict.

The mediator works with the parties to find a livable solution. When all involved agree with the proposed solution, the chance of a lasting agreement is greater. The mediator puts this agreement in writing, which is then signed by all involved. If the parties wish, the formalized agreement can always be ratified by a court.

Recognized Mediator

The profession of mediator is legally recognized, ensuring that the mediator has completed a government-required training that guarantees quality. A recognized mediator, like lawyers, is bound by a code of ethics that mandates them to work in strict confidentiality and independence.

The mediator ensures that the escalation is de-escalated and transformed into an atmosphere of trust and possibility. It is the mediator's task to bring together the positions of both parties without ever taking sides. Their role is therefore very different from that of a judge, who must make a ruling based on purely legal qualifications. The mediator builds the pathway that leads to the most sustainable solution for the involved parties.

Mediation, Right for You?

Are you not convinced of the power and utility of mediation for resolving a conflict? Contact one of our recognized mediators alone or together with the other parties involved and be convinced. Besides being lawyers, several of our team members are also recognized mediators. And that mediator is ready for you!

Questions about your own situation?

If you have questions about mediation, do not hesitate to contact our office so that we can assist you with advice and action.