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Chester · North Wales · Central England

Mediation
Services

Mediation is a structured, confidential process in which a neutral, trained mediator helps both parties explore options and reach a mutually acceptable resolution — without the cost, delay, and stress of court proceedings.

SRA Regulated
From £1,200 + VAT per party
Same-Day Response
Chester · North Wales · Midlands

No obligation — talk through your options first · Payment arrangements available

What Is Mediation?

A voluntary, confidential route to resolution

Mediation is a voluntary process. Both parties agree to meet — usually for a single day — with a trained, independent mediator who facilitates discussion and helps identify common ground. The mediator does not decide the outcome; the parties do.

Everything discussed in mediation is confidential and without prejudice. If mediation does not result in an agreement, neither party is bound by anything said during the process, and court proceedings can still follow.

Courts actively encourage mediation. Refusing to engage in mediation without good reason can result in cost penalties, even if you win at trial.

Faster than court

Most mediations are completed in a single day. Court proceedings can take months or years.

More cost-effective

Mediation typically costs a fraction of full litigation — saving both parties significant legal fees.

Confidential

Everything discussed is confidential and without prejudice. Nothing can be used against you in court.

Party-controlled

You control the outcome. No judge imposes a decision — any agreement is reached voluntarily.

Suitable Disputes

When is mediation appropriate?

Mediation is suitable for a wide range of civil and commercial disputes, including:

Neighbour and boundary disputes
Commercial and business disputes
Contractual disagreements
Property and landlord disputes
Inheritance and estate disputes
Employment and workplace conflicts
Partnership and shareholder disputes
Consumer and service disputes
Professional negligence claims

Indicative Fees

What does mediation cost?

Our fees for preparing for and attending mediation are typically £1,200 – £2,400 + VAT per party, depending on the complexity of the dispute. The mediator's own fees are separate and are usually shared between the parties. We will provide a written cost estimate before any work begins.

We do not ordinarily offer no-win, no-fee for mediation. We will always provide a written cost estimate before any work begins. Payment arrangements are available — please ask.

The Process

How mediation works

01

Initial advice

We advise whether mediation is appropriate for your dispute and help you prepare your position and key documents.

02

Agreeing to mediate

Both parties agree to participate and sign a mediation agreement. A mediator is appointed — often jointly agreed.

03

Mediation day

Both parties attend (usually separately at first). The mediator facilitates discussion, explores options, and helps identify a workable resolution.

04

Settlement agreement

If agreement is reached, a written settlement agreement is drafted and signed. This is legally binding.

Your Mediation Solicitor

Alex Bailey, Dispute Resolution Solicitor at PDA Law Chester

Alex Bailey

Solicitor — Commercial Litigation & Employment Law

Alex qualified in 2007 and has extensive experience advising clients on dispute resolution across the North West, North Wales, and Central England. He will advise whether mediation is appropriate and help you prepare for the best possible outcome.

FAQs

Common questions about mediation

How much does mediation cost?
Our fees for preparing for and attending mediation are typically £1,200 – £2,400 + VAT per party, depending on the complexity of the dispute and the time involved. The mediator's fees are separate and are usually shared between the parties. We will provide a written cost estimate before any work begins. Payment arrangements are available — please ask.
Do you offer no-win, no-fee for mediation?
We do not ordinarily offer no-win, no-fee for mediation or dispute resolution matters. We provide clear cost estimates before any work begins and are happy to discuss payment arrangements in appropriate cases.
Is mediation legally binding?
Mediation itself is not binding — the parties are free to walk away at any point. However, if agreement is reached, a written settlement agreement is drafted and signed, which is legally binding and enforceable.
Do you advise clients in North Wales and the Midlands?
Yes. We act for clients across North Wales (Wrexham, Flintshire, Deeside, Denbighshire) and Central England (Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Nottingham, Leicester). The majority of our mediation work is conducted remotely — no office visit is required.
What if mediation fails?
If mediation does not result in an agreement, neither party is bound by anything said during the process, and court proceedings can still follow. Everything discussed in mediation is confidential and without prejudice.

Considering mediation?

Speak to a dispute resolution solicitor today. We will advise whether mediation is right for your situation and help you prepare.

No obligation — talk through your options first.

SRA Regulated
Costs Explained Upfront
Same-Day Response
Chester & England/Wales
Experienced dispute solicitors
Honest assessment of your position
All enquiries strictly confidential

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