Civil and commercial mediation

When a dispute reaches deadlock, there is another way

Structured, neutral mediation for civil and commercial disputes. Faster than litigation, considerably cheaper, and it leaves the working relationship intact.

Book a MIAM · £175 Ask a question first

What civil mediation is

No judge, no imposed decision, no public record

A structured, confidential process in which a neutral third party helps two or more people or organisations resolve a dispute without going to court.

Unlike litigation, it is voluntary, flexible and focused on a practical agreement both sides can accept. The parties keep control of the outcome rather than handing it to someone in a wig.

It is faster, significantly less expensive than proceedings, and it preserves relationships that litigation tends to destroy.

What I mediate

Five kinds of civil dispute

Contractual and business disputes

Disagreements between businesses or individuals over contracts, services, payments or professional obligations.

Neighbour and property disputes

Boundaries, shared access, noise, nuisance and property damage, between private individuals or organisations.

Pet ownership and custody

Conflict over the ownership, care or custody of an animal outside a family separation — between breeders, co-owners or neighbours.

Professional and partnership disputes

Conflicts between professionals, partners or stakeholders where a negotiated resolution beats formal proceedings.

Inheritance and estate disputes

Where family members or beneficiaries are in conflict over wills, estates or the distribution of assets.

Civil disputes are rarely just about the facts. They are about perceived injustice, damaged trust and unmet expectations.

Most civil mediators are trained in process and law. I am also a psychologist with over a decade of clinical experience in conflict and communication breakdown. A mediator who can see what is actually driving the deadlock moves it faster, and reaches agreements more likely to hold.

How it works

Prepared properly before anyone sits down

Typically a half-day or full-day session, online or in person depending on location.

1The MIAM A confidential individual meeting with each party, to understand the position and confirm mediation is the right route.

2Papers in advance Each party provides a brief position statement and any relevant documentation, which I read before we meet.

3Pre-mediation call A separate call with each party, so nobody arrives on the day still explaining the background.

4The session Joint, with both parties present, or shuttle — parties in separate rooms while I move between them.

MIAMConfidential individual meeting, report included. Deducted from your first joint session.£175 per person

Joint sessionQuoted on enquiry, depending on claim value, session length and the number of parties.Fees on enquiry

All preparation time is included in the fee — reading papers, pre-mediation calls, the lot. Disbursements, if there are any, are charged separately. For higher-value claims or multi-party matters, a bespoke quotation follows the initial consultation.

Book a MIAM · £175

Accreditation status

Civil mediation is currently offered as a WTA (Working Towards Accreditation) mediator, under professional supervision.

Languages and reach

English, Spanish and Italian. Online anywhere, in person between Spain and the UK by arrangement.

Questions people actually ask

Before you book

What does it cost compared with going to court? A mediated settlement usually resolves in a day. Litigation on a comparable dispute runs to months of correspondence and fees that dwarf anything here, with no guarantee of the outcome. That gap is the entire argument for mediating.

Is the agreement enforceable? What we reach is a settlement agreement between the parties. It becomes a binding contract once signed, and your solicitors can advise on formalising it further. I record what was agreed; I don't impose it.

Is it confidential? Yes. Mediation is conducted without prejudice, so what is said cannot be used in later proceedings. There is no public record, which matters where reputation is part of what's at stake.

The other side won't agree to mediate. Book the MIAM anyway. I approach the other party and explain the process. Refusal often softens once someone lays out what litigation will actually cost in time and money.

Do we have to be in the same room? No. Shuttle mediation — separate rooms, with me moving between you — is common in civil matters and often more productive where feeling is running high.

Can our solicitors attend? Yes, and in commercial matters they often do. Mediation works alongside legal advice rather than replacing it.

What if we don't settle? You have lost a day and gained a much clearer view of the dispute and the other side's position. Nothing said is admissible afterwards, and every other route remains open.

For solicitors and firms

Referring a client?

Email me about a referral and I'll send referral details and current availability, including turnaround on higher-value or multi-party matters.

Different kind of dispute? I also handle family mediation and community of owners disputes in Spain.

Resolve it without court

If a dispute is costing you time, money and energy, this is where it ends

A confidential initial conversation about whether civil mediation is right for your situation. There is no obligation to proceed.