OUR APPROACH
At Bridge Mediation, we help organisations, companies, and consumers resolve contract disputes through a structured, collaborative process led by a neutral third party. We create a safe and open environment where all parties can discuss their issues, identify and understand the fundamental causes of the conflict, and then work together to find practical solutions which meet their needs.
We believe that resolving disputes through mediation not only helps restore working relationships but also avoids the financial and emotional costs of litigation. By facilitating constructive dialogue and guiding parties toward mutually acceptable outcomes, we help them achieve solutions efficiently and effectively while maintaining their focus on long-term successful contractual outcomes.
Benefits of
Mediation for Contract Disputes
Choosing mediation over traditional determinative dispute resolution processes offers numerous advantages for businesses involved in contract disputes.
- Saves Time and Resources: Mediation is often faster and more cost-effective than litigation or arbitration, by streamlining the resolution of contract disputes without lengthy legal proceedings and delays.
- Reduces Stress and Disruption: Mediation’s confidential environment minimises emotional strain and disruption, enabling smoother resolution of contract disputes without affecting the ongoing business operations.
- Protects Reputation and Brand Value: Mediation’s confidentiality ensures sensitive details of contract disputes remain private, protecting reputations and preserving trust with all parties involved.
- Preserves Future Business Relationships: Mediation fosters collaboration rather than conflict, helping preserve relationships with contractors, clients, and suppliers for future success.
- Avoids Litigation Costs: The total cost of the mediation is shared equally, avoiding the expense of litigation and legal representation. You are not required to pay any costs incurred by the opposing party.
Contractual Disputes
Mediation Process Model
Why Bridge Mediation?
At Bridge Mediation, we have years of experience in resolving contractual disputes. Our team of mediators understands the complexities of business contracts and is committed to finding practical, actionable solutions.
- Proven Expertise: Our accredited mediators have extensive experience in resolving contract disputes, offering practical solutions tailored to your needs.
- Customised Approach: We design a mediation process specific to your business, helping both parties work toward a resolution effectively.
- Impartial Mediation: As a neutral third party, we encourage open and honest communications throughout the confidential dispute resolution process.
- Relationship Preservation: We focus on resolving disputes collaboratively through alternative dispute resolution, helping parties maintain mutual respect and future partnerships.
- Accessible Process: Legal representation is not required. There are no formal rules. The parties to the contract determine the outcomes from the mediation process.
FAQs: Contractual Dispute Resolution
What Is Mediation?
Mediation is a confidential process where parties in a dispute work with a neutral third party (mediator) to identify issues, explore options, and seek a mutually acceptable resolution. The mediator does not give advice or decide the outcome but guides the process to help resolve the conflict.
Mediation may be voluntary, court-ordered, or based on a contractual agreement. Discussions during mediation are non-binding, and parties negotiate in good faith. If an agreement is reached, it is documented, signed by both sides, and becomes legally binding like any other contract.
Why Mediation?
Mediation is a voluntary and flexible process aimed at resolving the dispute rather than focusing only on legal issues. It is faster, more affordable, and less stressful than litigation. Unlike court procedures, mediation lets both parties actively participate, share concerns, and work toward a solution that meets their needs.
This approach helps address all issues in dispute, leads to greater satisfaction with the outcome, and helps preserve future relationships.
What Is The Role Of The Mediator?
The mediator facilitates communication, negotiation, and decision-making between parties while remaining neutral and impartial. They do not decide who is right or wrong but set ground rules for respectful dialogue and uninterrupted speaking.
Using their skills, the mediator helps parties explore issues in depth, find practical solutions, and work toward preserving or improving their relationship throughout the process.
Where Does The Mediation Take Place?
The time and location of mediation depend on the nature of the dispute. Mediations are typically held at a neutral venue or another agreed-upon location during the pre-mediation meeting. The starting time is also decided during the pre-mediation meeting to suit all parties.
A suitable venue must include a meeting room large enough for everyone to sit around a table and separate rooms for private discussions.
Today, we often conduct contractual mediations online via Zoom (or other virtual systems) to enable remote parties to participate in the mediation process in addition to face-to-face mediations.
