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Brexit a case of car crash Mediation?


Whichever of the many sides you find yourself on in the Brexit debate this article highlights how a mediation could break the impasse and points out that the current actions of all parties are in (as William Zartman described it) a “mutually hurting stalemate”.

It’s a position many civil, commercial and individual clients find themselves in, they can’t find a way to move forward without hurting themselves or being seen to hurt the other party.

It is then, as this article makes clear, that a neutral third party mediator can assist. There are always back channel communications going on between governments, political parties and terrorists (as we’ve discussed before the efforts of mediators in war zones including, rather relevantly in the current debate the Irish peace process).

What is important is that someone steps up to take that role who both sides consider neutral to help them get to the resolution that all parties can live with, never suggest they will be happy with the resolution!


Nice article from Trethowans on the benefits of mediation to mark this week being the National Family Mediation week, something which seems to have escaped the notice of most news sources.

In other high profile news HRH the Duke of Edinburgh’s car crash has been in the headlines, focusing more on Prince Philip’s fitness to drive and the sale of the debris rather than the fact he was probably driving without due care and attention.

Fellow mediators at West Sussex Mediation Service (WSMS) have been assisting older family members dealing with when and whether to give up their driving licences.

It’s not uncommon in car crashes involving he elderly (and I’ve dealt with a few in my time) for one of the results to be to require the driver at fault to surrender their licence, even if the sentence does not carry an automatic ban or the number of points awarded by the court do not amount to 12. When it happens or when family members are considering applying pressure to older family members to take the step mediation is an excellent way to address those concerns.

Nick Handley of WSMS said of their elder persons mediation service “We know that this can be an emotive subject, as the ability to drive provides great independence. However, there can be positives out of hanging up your car keys. With free travel on buses and subsidies on trains, there could be a financial saving. Accepting lifts from friends/family can sociable events and most of us would agree that driving is very stressful anyway and not great for your blood pressure.”

Another common issue clients face is negative equity and once again Northwest Mediation isn’t the only mediation practice suggesting that this too can be dealt with through the assistance of a neutral third party.

This article claims that there have been significant savings for clients who have avoided bankruptcy and IVAs. If you’re facing problems with your bank, landlord or other creditors they are obliged to consider mediation so contact Northwest Mediation and we’ll contact the other side and begin the process which could end up finding a way forward that takes the pain out of your debt situation.

Just as in Australia in landlord and commercial tenant disputes in mediation is now all but compulsory following the recent ruling the high court in Australia which made it clear that whilst mediation isn’t a precondition to issuing proceedings the court will not proceed to a final hearing without some evidence that mediation is unlikely to succeed. In my view the only way to show that mediation won’t work is to attempt it.

Many clients start a mediation saying they don’t see the point but are willing to see where the session(s) get them. Most leave knowing that mediation has solved their dispute.

There are so many cases which could have been resolved by early intervention of mediation it continues to surprise me the lengths the public (and some lawyers) will go to avoid referral.

Whether you need a mediator to help out with a construction matter in the Northwest, or council’s plans in Cheshire, a civil mediator in London, a commercial mediator in Manchester, a dispute resolution for your family in Liverpool, a neighborhood mediation in Stockport, then our mediators at Northwest Mediation can help.

Mediation is cheaper, quicker and less stressful than running any case to court, it can help with any dispute whether it's an employment issue or the sale at an under value of a property, a fight with a neighbour, family issues, commercial disputes or inheritance arguments contact Northwest Mediation on 07931318347 or via email at ed.johnson@northwestmediation.co.uk

neighbour mediation; commercial dispute resolution; civil mediation; commercial dispute; corporate dispute; commercial mediator; family mediation; inheritance mediation; property mediator; civil mediator; civil litigation; fast track mediation; injury mediation

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