Mediation FAQs
Although each type of mediation is different, these FAQs will help you understand what the process involves. Please contact us if you need detailed info for your specific case.
Mediation is a way to work through a difficult situation with the help of a neutral, trained mediator. They help everyone involved talk openly in a safe space and, if possible, reach an agreement. It's voluntary and completely confidential. In 2025, 93% of the cases we mediated reached a full or partial resolution.
Mediators don't take sides, give advice or make decisions — that's not their job. Their role is to help everyone feel heard, explore options and find a way forward. What happens is entirely up to the people in the room.
We start by speaking with everyone separately to understand the situation and explain how the process works. We then arrange individual meetings with each person before bringing everyone together for a joint session, in person or by video call. If things aren't fully resolved on the day, we follow up to help find the best possible outcome.
More often than you might think. We work with people dealing with:
- Neighbour issues: noise, boundaries, pets, anti-social behaviour
- Family conflict: inter-generational issues, co-parenting issues (child contact arrangements but not divorce or financial matters, and not MIAMs)
- School relations: issues between parents, teachers or schools
- Workplace conflict: issues with colleagues or managers
- Commercial cases: contracts, leases, building works, school fees (from £1,000 upwards)
- Estate and wills issues
Mediation isn't suitable for everyone. It's unlikely to work:
- where there's been physical violence or serious threats
- where alcohol or drugs are a significant factor
- where the case needs a court ruling to resolve it
- where someone has severe health or mental health issues that could make the process harmful
It depends on the type of mediation.
- Neighbour, inter-generational and school relations mediation, and individual coaching are free for Wandsworth residents.
- Co-parenting mediation is free for eligible Wandsworth residents.
- Workplace mediation starts from £800 per person (no VAT).
- Commercial mediation starts from £125 per person for claims of £1,000–£4,999, following the Civil Mediation Council's fixed fee scheme. For claims of £250,000 and above, fees are on enquiry. VAT is not currently applicable.
Because you stay in control. Unlike going to court, mediation is flexible, less stressful and often much quicker. People leave with solutions they've chosen themselves, not ones that have been decided for them. Most people say they wish they'd tried it sooner.
As early as possible. Mediation can happen at any point — before or after any formal action. The sooner people sit down together, the easier it usually is.
At our offices near Clapham Junction, at a venue that works for you, or online via a video call.
Not necessarily. We always meet with each person individually first — in person, by phone or via a video call. The joint session can be face to face or online. If being in the same room really isn't possible, we can arrange shuttle mediation, where the mediators move between the people involved separately. We tend to find that direct conversation works better, but we will work with whatever feels manageable.
We aim to arrange the first meeting within three weeks of being contacted. Sessions usually last between one and a half hours and a full day, depending on the situation. Some cases need more than one session.
Yes, completely. Nothing said in mediation can be shared outside the room or used in court, unless everyone agrees or there is a safeguarding issue.
Yes. Mediation is voluntary, so you can withdraw at any point, no questions asked. We'll always have a private word with you first to see if there's a way to continue, but the choice is always yours.
No. Mediators have to stay neutral, so they can't advise either side. What they can do is help you and the other person talk things through and work towards a solution together.
You can, although it's not required. In commercial and workplace cases, some people keep their solicitor on standby by phone rather than in the room, to keep costs down.
You do. Mediators don't impose outcomes — they help you get there yourself. Any agreement reached is one that everyone involved has agreed to.
Agreements are made in good faith and signed by both sides, but aren't automatically legally binding. They can be made binding if a solicitor formalises them. In our experience, agreements reached through mediation are more likely to last and often improve relationships.
It doesn't mean the process has failed. Many cases settle in the days or weeks after mediation. And because everything discussed is without prejudice, nothing can be used against you later. Even without a formal agreement, people often find mediation takes some of the weight off the situation.
For our paid-for services, including commercial and workplace mediation, yes — the fee covers the mediators' time and preparation, whatever the outcome.
Get in touch with our team and we'll help you figure out if mediation is right for your situation. If it's not something we can help with, we'll do our best to point you in the right direction.