Mediation for you

Disputes are a part of life. Most of the time, they are resolved informally, or people walk away and let a relationship (whether it’s a professional, business, work or family relationship) break down.But, what if a compromise or resolution needs to be made, either for the sake of a family or business to move on?

When people ‘dig their heels in’, positions become entrenched, and the damage can be irreparable. If mediation is not considered, litigation begins and costs are high in both financial and emotional terms. The time in dealing with the dispute can be hugely distracting, time consuming and with no certainty on the outcome – ultimately, a judge makes the decision for you. It can be high risk, and very costly if you lose. This is where mediation can help.

What is mediation?

Mediation is a process where two parties work through a dispute with the aid of a trained and impartial third party (a mediator) with the aim of coming to an agreement outside of court.
What are the benefits of mediation?

Mediation allows parties to regain control of the outcome in their dispute. It is a quick, cost effective way of resolving disputes, saving time, money and stress. Mediation is completely confidential and can be used to resolve a dispute at any stage.

Mediation has a high success rate – with most disputes being resolved within a day. Court or tribunal cases can take months or sometimes years to reach a conclusion.

The benefits of mediation are underpinned by the serious cost penalties that can be imposed by the courts for parties who refuse to mediate or fail to adequately consider it.

We can help with…

Here is a list of examples where mediation can help you – it’s not exhaustive – we can mediate in any dispute you may have, providing the other side also agree:

• Neighbour and Boundary disputes
• Defamation/libel and slander
• Contractual disputes
• Debt disputes
• Consumer legislation disputes
• Small claims disputes
• Employment tribunal claims
• Financial disputes
• Insurance disputes
• Landlord and tenants disputes
• Personal injury and medical negligence disputes
• Property disputes
• Partnership disputes
• Shareholder disputes
• Planning disputes
• Will, trust and estate disputes
• Probate disputes
• Living arrangements
• Family communication
• Choosing an attorney
• Pension disputes
• Workplace disputes

We have one accredited mediators who can help in any civil or workplace dispute.

Andrew West is Accredited Civil & Commercial Mediators, registered with the Civil Mediation Council.

Andrew West qualified as a solicitor in 1996, and has worked in Suffolk since 2002. Andrew is head of Gotelee’s Employment team and has a vast amount of experience in employment and work related disputes, as well as extensive experience in commercial disputes and their resolution. Andrew is described as approachable, personable and pragmatic. His skills lie in getting to the root of the issues quickly and helping parties find solutions that work for them.

To discuss the opportunity for mediation in your dispute, fill out our enquiry form.