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Mediation is a "less costly alternative"

29 August 2008

Mediation can save time and significantly reduce legal costs, yet only a few people choose to pursue such a course of action, it has been claimed.

Geoff Mountjoy, regional director of the Legal Services Commission's south region, said just one-fifth of people able to use mediation choose to do so, the Bristol Evening Posts reports.

The process can be a "much more constructive, calm and less costly alternative" to going to court, Mr Mountjoy told the newspaper.

"Not only is mediation less costly for the tax payer, it is considerably faster in settling disputes, taking around four months. A case that goes to court, on the other hand, can take more than a year to sort out," he explained

The commission has now ensured legal aid is paid in a different way to family and divorce solicitors to encourage more people to consider such action, he added.

Mediation can also be a beneficial process for businesses, according to the employment relations service Acas.

Chairman of the body Ed Sweeney said companies can save "money, time and grief" if they resolve an issue as early as possible.

Nicolette Zarka, associate in the Family practice comments: "I have found mediation to be be extremely helpful in cases concerning children, because parents can actively consider their needs and focus on how arrangements proposed may affect them. This often draws the parents together as they both want what is best for the children.

"Mediation also works well for financial issues where both parties are committed to it. They are able to look at disclosure of their financial position in mediation, build options and negotiate. Although mediators cannot advise and mediation is no substitute for solicitors advice, it often works well for the parties who can speak to their solicitors in between sessions."