Mediation is where a neutral third party assists two or more people in dispute to identify concerns and investigate options with the aim of reaching an agreement. The mediator will not take sides or make decisions for you.
Mediation is less time consuming and less expensive than litigation. The outcomes are controlled by the people in the dispute so there is only agreement reached when you are satisfied with an outcome. Mediation also assists in future communication between the people involved, so it is helpful in improving future relations.
Any dispute can go to mediation provided both people want to resolve the dispute. You can choose mediation at any stage in the dispute, including when you have undertaken court proceedings. Mediation is useful in:
- neighbourhood disputes
- property settlements
- child access issues
- interfamily conflict
- conflicts in workplaces.
The Citizens Advice Bureau's mediation service can assist you if you would like more information.
If you cannot reach agreement in mediation, depending on the matter, you can seek legal advice and undertake court proceedings to have the dispute resolved legally.