WHO ARE MEDIATORS?
According to European mediation standards, mediators have completed several training programs required by the Mediation Commission and are obliged to respect the mediator’s code of conduct. As mediation functions on a volunteer basis, mediators come from diverse professions: lawyer, economist, businessman, psychologist, teacher, social workers, among others. Mediators can be selected from the list provided by the Mediation Center or in the court, in the case of court referral.
WHAT IS MEDIATOR’S ROLE IN DISPUTES?
A mediator is independent. Within the mediation process, the main role of the mediator is to assist in the voluntary resolution of a dispute and to support all parties. The mediator does not share his or her opinions, nor suggests solutions. The mediator offers his/her services only on issues where s/he can remain impartial. Furthermore, omnipartiality is the basic principle of mediation. The duty of the mediator is to assist all disputing parties equally.
WHAT DOES MEDIATION COST ME?
If the mediation is a court-referred case, parties do not pay for mediation. However, if the parties agree independently to ask for mediation, currently each case costs 25 euros, unless otherwise agreed. This amount goes to Mediator/s, not to the Center. Finally, up-to-date information about mediation costs can be found in the Mediation Center offices.
IS MEDIATION CONFIDENTIAL?
Yes, the mediation process is strictly confidential. Only parties and the mediator can be present during Mediation. The mediator has the duty to keep names of parties involved and content of the Mediation, as well as the process strictly confidential.
