The parties maintain privacy (a important factor to be aware of) and control over the outcome of the dispute. Mediations can be organised at relatively short notice and can take place at a location convenient to both parties. Mediation takes place in a Private & Confidential forum. It is informal (unlike the Courts) and is relatively inexpensive – solicitors or barristers may participate but are not required to. It is a fairly quick, non adversarial (and so non-confrontational) approach to resolving party disputes or conflict. The solutions may be something that the Courts cannot impose. Costs are fixed for the Mediation. Court / Judicial delays are avoided and the matter can be brought to a close at the earliest opportunity. If a party refuses to mediate, the Courts may penalise that party in the costs order it would make at the end of the hearing. Hence, even the winner of the claim/counterclaim may lose considerable amounts of money. The Mediation process is ‘without prejudice’ - meaning issues referred to or confessions etc made cannot be referred to in court. Mediation addresses all the issues and identifies the underlying problems that the parties have. It encourages solutions that fit the parties’ needs. Mediation can importantly preserve and enhance your current relationships, while setting guidelines for future relationships – meaning there is no break down of the parties’ relationship. Mediation eliminates the unwanted festering and magnification of disputes which accompany costly litigation and court hearings that may be months apart.