Mediation is a faster and more cost-effective means for resolving disputes, increasingly recognised as preferable to lengthier and more expensive court or arbitration proceedings. It can be used before court or arbitration proceedings have been commenced, or during the course of those proceedings.

The overriding role of a mediator is to work with and assist the parties and their professional advisors to achieve a resolution – as expeditiously and effectively as possible – that each of the parties considers preferable to their other options. The parties may agree to keep their resolution confidential.

In court or arbitration, a resolution will be imposed by a third party (whether a judge or an arbitral tribunal) rather than crafted and agreed to by the parties themselves. With mediation, settlement of a dispute is within the control of the parties themselves, with their mediator acting as a neutral facilitator to assist them to reach a settlement. Mediation of a pending dispute is without prejudice to any legal proceedings between the parties. A further advantage of mediation is that an agreed resolution may include things that the parties cannot obtain in court or arbitration.

Our experienced mediators can assist parties at almost any point during their dispute, including on the eve of, or during, a trial or arbitration hearing, or even while the parties await the judgement or award.

Early mediation and resolution should save the parties money, time, and stress.

Also, our mediators can assist at the front-end of a business or other relationship, helping parties to conclude a more effective commercial or other agreement.

Our mediators can assist parties to resolve emerging disputes at early stages during ongoing processes and projects, such as construction, IT development and installation, licencing implementation, or product development project. Not only can this save money, but it may preserve relationships.

Our mediators can assist families and family offices with generational transitions and disputes concerning family businesses. They can assist in estate disputes, wealth management or family disagreements on probate or other estate matters, and even property boundary disputes.

The parties jointly engage a mediator of their choice. On an agreed date and time, the parties meet with the mediator – in person or virtually – to try to work out a mutually acceptable solution to their dispute.

You can discuss appropriate choices of mediators and ask questions about mediation as a dispute resolution process with Jo Thomas, our Senior Administrator. She is a qualified and accredited Mediator in her own right so has a thorough understanding of the process. Jo can take you through the steps and ‘paperwork’ to select your mediator and organise your mediation seamlessly. Fees and costs associated with the mediation are arranged with Jo.

Where the mediation takes place is for the parties and mediator to agree.

Wyeth Thomas Mediation can offer the parties appropriate ‘venues’ for proceedings in Essex, London, Cardiff, and most locations throughout the UK and internationally. Also, we can arrange for experienced hosting services and support on a virtual platform.

Wyeth Thomas Mediation can accommodate the parties’ needs and preferences by suggesting mediators who the parties can consider for their mediation. Jo is well-placed to help.

Most members of Wyeth Thomas Mediation also accept instructions as legal representatives for parties involved in disputes and in mediation processes.

Please contact Jo Thomas with your initial enquiry about our mediation services

By email

By telephone