Traditionally, if you were locked in a dispute, there were two options to resolve it. You either managed to sort it out between the parties involved, often using solicitors to negotiate a deal, or you let the courts decide the outcome. One problem with the court approach is that neither party has any control over the decision and, by then, they have usually invested a lot of effort and expense.
Sometimes there are very good reasons why court proceedings are not the best route to resolve a dispute. Costs, publicity or delay can make either party to a dispute keen to avoid the litigation process.
Mediation is often a good alternative. It is a kind of turbo-charged negotiation and the courts actively encourage it, because its high success rate eases pressure on public resources. The key reasons for mediating are:
Mediation will typically involve the following steps:
Wards Solicitors offer a specialist mediation service. James Taylor is a Senior Disputes Partner and also a qualified Mediator, who was accredited by the nationally renowned ADR Group in 2004, and is happy to accept mediations to act as mediator. We are also able to represent clients at a mediation where a third party independent mediator is instructed.
Several of our clients have received six-figure sums by using mediation and there is no limit on the value of disputes that mediation can resolve. We have carried out mediations in areas such as land, contract and probate disputes, and have attended many mediations, either as a mediator or as one party’s representative.
We accept referrals from lawyers, accountants, surveyors, businesses and direct from the public and have 10 offices throughout Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset, all with good meeting facilities.
James Taylor’s fees to act as a mediator, based at our offices, for a three hour mediation between two parties can cost as little as £500 plus VAT per party, or £750 plus VAT per party for a full day.
We are also happy to travel throughout the South West, South Wales and the Midlands to conduct mediations. For us to represent you at mediation will cost more and we can provide full details on request.
Or contact James Taylor on 01454 204880 or email james.taylor@wards.uk.com
Wards Solicitors remains open for business during the national lockdown and we are taking on new cases. We are available for video call and telephone meetings but cannot currently offer face to face meetings with clients except in some specific emergency situations and at court hearings.
How to get in touch:
A list of our 12 branches is available here. Our telephones lines are operating as normal behind closed doors.
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