Mediation can be a fast and cost-effective way to resolve civil disputes without having to go to court. Mediation uses an independent third party, such as a barrister, to help the parties negotiate an agreement. Any signed agreement is then binding on all parties, and can be enforced by a court.

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Fortitude Chambers has experienced barristers who can act as mediators to settle your issue.

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Our fixed mediation fees are £995.00 for a day's mediation (8 hours) and £495.00 for half a day's mediation (4 hours). Online mediation is £75.00 per hour. The cost of mediation is split equally between the parties.

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Why use mediation instead of the courts?

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• Mediation has a high success rate;

• It is faster (usually a few hours to a day) and therefore much less expensive;

• Some courts will expect you to go to mediation first, and there may be financial penalties if you do not;

• Mediation is private so it is less stressful and helps avoid unwelcome publicity; also, no one else will know the terms of the settlement;

• Mediation can be very useful in highly emotional disputes;

• It keeps communication open, enabling everyone to be heard;

• It helps make it possible for relationships to be maintained afterwards;

• The outcome is approved by the parties involved, not imposed by a judge;

• Negotiated settlements are likely to be observed, so there’s less chance of having to go back to mediation or to the courts; and

• Even if a settlement is not reached, it is not the end: you can still turn to the courts (and nothing discussed in the mediation can be mentioned in court).

 

Why use a barrister to mediate?

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• Barristers are accustomed to rapidly arriving at the facts, strengths and weaknesses of a case;

• They will aim for settlement, but not at any cost;

• They can ensure that any settlement won’t breach the law; and

• They are more likely to ensure fairness.

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