Civil & commercial mediation
Resolve civil and commercial disputes through a clear mediation process.
Countrywide Mediation helps parties explore settlement in business, property, workplace, probate, contract and civil disputes before matters become longer, more expensive or harder to control.
Mediation is most suitable when:
- the other party is open to mediation
- you have consent to share their contact details
- both sides understand that costs are usually paid by each party
- MIAMS and mediation costs are £135 per person per hour
- you want to explore a practical settlement, not ask a mediator to decide who is right
Start here
Start a suitability enquiry
Tell us what the dispute is about and whether the other party is open to mediation.
Before submitting, it helps to know:
- whether the other party has agreed or may be open to mediation
- whether you can share their contact details with consent
- whether court proceedings have already started
- the approximate value of the dispute, if money is involved
- what outcome you would like to explore
Cost clarity
Each party usually pays their own mediation costs unless another arrangement is agreed. This is made clear before mediation starts.
What civil mediation is
A structured, confidential way to discuss settlement before a dispute escalates further.
Civil mediation is a voluntary process where an independent mediator helps the parties discuss a dispute, understand the issues and explore whether agreement is possible.
The mediator does not act as a judge, does not take sides and does not impose a decision. The aim is to help the parties test settlement options, reduce uncertainty and decide whether the matter can be resolved without a fully contested legal process.
Before you enquire, it helps to know:
- whether the other party has agreed or may be open to mediation
- whether you can share the other party’s contact details with consent
- whether a court claim has already started
- what outcome you are trying to achieve
- whether both sides understand that costs are confirmed before mediation starts
Dispute areas
Disputes we can help with
We support parties dealing with live civil, commercial, workplace, property, probate and contract disputes.
Commercial mediation
Contract, invoice, supplier, customer, director, shareholder and business relationship disputes.
Property mediation
Landlord, tenant, rent, repairs, deposits, boundary, access and commercial property disputes.
Workplace mediation
Manager, employee, colleague, team, grievance-related and workplace communication disputes.
Wills and probate mediation
Inheritance, estate, executor, trustee, beneficiary, will validity and succession disputes.
Builder and trades disputes
Unfinished work, poor workmanship, payment disputes, remedial works and disagreements over scope.
Neighbour and community disputes
Noise, boundaries, shared access, nuisance, parking, anti-social behaviour and local conflict.
The process
How the mediation process works
The process is designed to check whether mediation is suitable before anyone commits to a session. We look at the dispute, the parties involved, consent, cost understanding and whether the other party is willing to take part.
Suitability enquiry
You tell us what the dispute is about, what stage it has reached, whether court proceedings have started and what outcome you are seeking.
Other party position
We check whether the other party has agreed, is open to mediation, has not yet been asked, or is currently refusing to engage.
Consent and contact details
If you want us to contact the other party, their details should only be shared where you have permission to do so.
Costs confirmed
Each party usually pays their own mediation costs unless another arrangement is agreed. This is made clear before mediation begins.
Mediation session
The mediator helps both sides discuss the dispute, explore settlement options and work towards possible agreement. The mediator does not impose a decision.
Before submitting
What helps us assess your enquiry
The form is now at the top of the page. These points explain what makes an enquiry easier to assess and more likely to move forward.
Include this if you can:
- what type of dispute it is
- whether the other party has agreed, is open, has not been asked, or has refused
- whether you have consent to share their contact details
- whether court proceedings have already started
- the approximate value of the dispute, if money is involved
- what outcome you would like to explore
Cost clarity
Each party usually pays their own mediation costs unless another arrangement is agreed. We aim to make this clear before mediation starts so there is no confusion later.
FAQs
Common questions before enquiring
Do I need the other party’s consent?
Mediation is voluntary and can only go ahead if both sides agree to take part. If you want us to contact the other party, you should only share their contact details where you have consent to do so.
Who pays for mediation?
Each party usually pays their own mediation costs unless a different arrangement is agreed. This should be understood before mediation starts.
Is mediation legally binding?
Mediation itself is a settlement process. If agreement is reached, the terms can be recorded in writing and may be made legally binding through a settlement agreement or court order where appropriate.
Can mediation happen if court proceedings have started?
Yes. Mediation can often take place before proceedings begin or while proceedings are ongoing, provided both parties are willing to engage.
Next step
Find out whether your dispute is suitable for mediation.
Tell us what the dispute is about, whether the other party is open to mediation and whether you have consent to share their contact details.