Mediation

Law has traditionally consisted of long and formal processes, making it difficult and expensive for those with little time or financial resources to reach a fair settlement for their case. However, more recently, forms of 'Alternative Dispute Resolution' (ADR) have become popular, one of which is mediation. These methods aim to create agreements between the parties, without the time, expense or formality associated with going to court, and allow both parties to give their own input directly. A mediator is a trained third party who sits in on 'hearings' between the two parties, and takes statements from both sides. The mediator's overall aim is to encourage both parties to agree a compromise which is beneficial to both, rather than to hear all the 'evidence' and make their own decision, which is what a more traditional judge would do.

One of the benefits of mediation is that the parties are able to choose the mediator themselves, based on who they feel would give the most trustworthy and impartial advice, or allow a mediation organisation to appoint a mediator so that impartiality can not be questioned. The mediator will usually be an expert on the relevant type of dispute, and they are most commonly used for issues surrounding family law, as well as building disputes. Mediators will have knowledge of the relevant law of the area in question, as well as the personal or commercial issues (as relevant), however, it is still possible to appoint your own legal representative to put forward your concerns for you, and to advise on the implications of any agreement made.