Prior to commencing court proceedings, a dispute should be mediated if at all possible, in order to save significant expense and worry. Even if you do commence legal proceedings, a Court will require you to attempt to resolve the dispute at mediation before proceeding to a final hearing.
Usually, the parties and their lawyers will meet and have the opportunity to express their sides of the dispute. Sometimes, they will then enter separate rooms and use the mediator’s assistance to negotiate with each other until a resolution is reached.
In our experience, mediation can be a highly useful, efficient and cost effective way of resolving a dispute. Our clients are often very satisfied with the results that can be achieved, as the process allows the parties to make their own decisions about the outcome, rather than relying on the decision of a judge or arbitrator.
