Frequently asked questions

Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process in which a neutral third party — the mediator — helps people in dispute reach a mutually acceptable settlement. The mediator does not decide who is right or impose an outcome. The parties remain in control of any agreement they reach.

Mediation is suitable for almost any civil or commercial dispute — including boundary and property disputes, landlord and tenant matters, building and contract disputes, professional negligence claims, and trust and co-ownership disagreements. If you are unsure whether your dispute is suitable, contact Laurence for a free initial conversation.

No. Many parties attend without legal representation, particularly in smaller disputes. However, if you are in ongoing litigation or the dispute is legally complex, having your solicitor present can be helpful — both for advice during the day and for drafting the settlement agreement. Laurence is experienced in mediating with and without legal representation on either side.

No. Laurence acts as a neutral mediator and cannot give legal advice to either party. His role is to help the parties reach their own agreement, not to advise on the merits of either side's case. If you want legal advice about your position, you should consult your own solicitor before or during the mediation.

No — and it would not be appropriate for Laurence to do so. As a neutral mediator, his role is to help both parties reach an agreement they are both willing to accept, not to advocate for any particular outcome. What constitutes a good settlement is a matter for you to decide, ideally with advice from your own solicitor.

Not necessarily. Most mediations begin with a short joint session at which both parties are in the same room, but this is optional — the parties can elect to go straight to separate rooms if they prefer. After that, Laurence shuttles between the parties in private sessions throughout the day. You are not required to speak directly to the other party at any point.

Yes. Mediation is entirely voluntary and you are free to leave at any time. That said, it is worth knowing that many mediations reach settlement in the afternoon, sometimes late in the day — parties who leave early can miss opportunities that would have arisen had they stayed. Laurence will always let you know honestly if he thinks progress is still possible.

You cannot force the other party to mediate. However, the courts increasingly expect parties to attempt alternative dispute resolution before litigating, and an unreasonable refusal to mediate can result in costs penalties — even for a winning party. Laurence can advise on how to raise mediation with the other side in a way that is constructive and difficult to refuse.

Nothing is lost. The mediation is entirely without prejudice — nothing said during the process can be used in court proceedings. Many cases that do not settle on the day reach agreement shortly afterwards, once both parties have had time to reflect on what they heard. Laurence is available to assist after the mediation day if the parties wish to continue discussions.

Yes. If the parties reach agreement, the terms are written up and signed before the end of the day, creating a binding contract. Until that point, nothing is agreed and either party may withdraw. Once signed, the settlement agreement can be enforced through the courts if necessary.

Usually within a few weeks of both parties agreeing to proceed. Laurence handles the administrative arrangements — agreeing a date, confirming the venue or Zoom link, and circulating the mediation agreement for signature. If the matter is urgent, earlier dates can often be found.

Yes. Laurence regularly conducts mediations via Zoom, and many parties find it equally effective. Remote mediation removes the need to travel to a neutral venue and can make it easier to find a date that works for everyone. The process is exactly the same — joint session (if the parties wish), followed by private caucuses in separate virtual rooms.

A full day costs £1,250 plus VAT per party. A half day costs £750 plus VAT per party. Both rates include preparation and reading in. The mediator's fee is usually shared equally between the parties. Venue costs are agreed separately, or the mediation can take place via Zoom at no additional charge. Full details are on the Costs page.