Almost any type of dispute is suitable for mediation but not each case is suitable. Cases I have mediated include personal injury, commercial contracts, probate disputes, neighbour boundary disputes and employment claims amongst others. I do not offer mediation services for family disputes – you might want to visit the National Family Mediation Service charity for help with that type of work.

Cases unsuitable  for mediation include:

1. Where one side wants a precedent ruling on an issue – perhaps a term in a contract.
2. Both parties are unwilling to mediate.
3. Only a court ruling can resolve the issue.
4. A public ruling is required.
5. There are very significant power imbalances between the parties.

If you are uncertain whether or not your case is suitable for mediation call a mediator and ask them for an opinion.

Related posts:

1. Only madmen don’t want to negotiate.
2. My opponent won’t mediate.