Mediation
What is Mediation ?
Mediation is a voluntary and confidential way of resolving disputes without going to court.
It involves using an independent and neutral third party (a Mediator) who helps both parties to come to an agreement.
Why Mediation ?
Mediation is a Flexible, fast and low cost process that can be used to settle disputes in a whole range of situations including , but not limited to: family disputes, contract disputes, consumer disputes, housing disputes, neighbourhood disputes, disputes over the estate of a deceased person, and planning disputes.
Mediation can be less stressful cheaper and faster than going to Court.
What can we offer as Mediators?
We can offer absolute confidentiality, impartiality and neutrality throughout the mediation process. Matters discussed are not disclosed to any party outside the mediation.
As mediators we do not offer advice to the parties to the dispute we are simple facilitators so the parties can reach their own solution.
With the help of the Mediator the parties to the dispute will be able to explore different options and discuss these in a safe and confidential environment.
Can you still go to court after Mediation?
If the mediation does not work the parties can still go to court confident that any matter discussed or disclosed to the Mediator in the Mediation process is confidential and will not be disclosed in any subsequent court action.
If after a mediated agreement further issues arise the matter may return to mediation or the parties may choose to have the matter heard in a court of law.
Can Mediation work in cross-border disputes?
The answer is "yes". Mediation as a method of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) has been embodied in European Law facilitating recognition of the process and solutions agreed across Europe regardless of the country of residence of the parties to the dispute.
Why use Andrew Johnson as a mediator?
Andrew Johnson is a Notary Public and a qualified Mediator and a member of the Civil Mediation Council. He is qualified to mediate in a wide variety in Civil Law matters. As a Notary Public he is a lawyer trained to act in a non-partisan manner, his duty being to ensure the legal effect of a transaction mutually agreed between parties. This means that he is a neutral party and does not act in an adversarial or judgmental manner.
Profile:
Andrew Johnson is a native Spanish speaker, a qualified Solicitor in England and Wales, a Notary Public, and an accredited Mediator. His career in the provision of Spanish legal services has spanned 25 years having headed the Spanish legal departments of two reputable firms of Solicitors in Manchester and London until he founded the firm of Johnson & Garzon Solicitors & Abogados in the city of Canterbury in 2003. This firm was incorporated into the present firm of Andrew M Johnson & Co in 2009 where Andrew is still in practices today as a Solicitor, Notary Public and Mediator.