# Mediation

Source: https://contracko.com/it/glossario/mediazione

# Mediation

A voluntary process where a neutral mediator helps parties reach their own settlement of a dispute.

## Definizione

Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution in which an impartial mediator facilitates negotiation but does not impose a decision; control of the outcome remains with the parties. It is typically faster, cheaper, and more confidential than litigation or arbitration, and it preserves the commercial relationship. Many contracts make mediation a mandatory first step in an escalation ladder before court or arbitration.

## Esempio

> Before going to court the parties must, under their dispute resolution clause, attempt mediation through a registered mediator.

## Perché rappresenta un rischio aziendale

Skipping a contractually required mediation step before litigating can result in proceedings being stayed or costs being awarded against you, even if you ultimately win. Businesses that go straight to court without attempting mediation may also miss a faster and cheaper resolution. Conversely, agreeing to mediation without time limits can delay enforcement of a clear right.

## Come gestirlo

- Check the dispute resolution clause before starting any formal proceeding to confirm whether mediation is a mandatory first step.
- Set a time limit for mediation in the clause so it does not drag on indefinitely while the underlying dispute worsens.
- Choose a registered mediator from a recognised body (such as the MfN register in the Netherlands) to ensure quality and confidentiality.
- Document your mediation attempts and outcome (or failure) carefully: this may be required before court proceedings are admitted.

### Come aiuta Contracko

Contracko surfaces dispute resolution clauses during AI contract review, including whether mediation is mandatory and any prescribed timelines. Having this information readily available means a team facing a dispute can identify its procedural obligations within minutes rather than re-reading the contract from scratch.

## Rilevante per

[Servizi legali](https://contracko.com/it/settori/servizi-legali)[Costruzioni](https://contracko.com/it/settori/industria-costruzioni)[Consulenza](https://contracko.com/it/settori/consulenza)

## Clausole correlate

- [Dispute Resolution Clause](https://contracko.com/it/biblioteca-di-clausole/risoluzione-delle-controversie)
- [Arbitration Clause](https://contracko.com/it/biblioteca-di-clausole/arbitrato)

## Termini correlati

- [Arbitration](https://contracko.com/it/glossario/arbitrato)
- [Dispute resolution clause](https://contracko.com/it/glossario/clausola-di-risoluzione-delle-controversie)
- [Jurisdiction](https://contracko.com/it/glossario/giurisdizione-competente)
- [Good faith](https://contracko.com/it/glossario/buona-fede)

### Non perda mai più una scadenza contrattuale

- L'AI trova le date di rinnovo e preavviso
- Rischi e obblighi emergono automaticamente
- I promemoria La aiutano ad agire prima che le date sfuggano

Trascini un contratto per iniziare

PDF, DOCX, PNG o JPG

[Inizi la prova di 7 giorni](https://app.contracko.com/register?appLanguage=it&utm_source=glossary_sidebar&utm_medium=lead_magnet&utm_campaign=glossary_sidebar_contract_upload&content_slug=mediation&content_title=Mediation&cta_placement=glossary_sidebar_cta&source_tool=glossary_sidebar_mediation)

Conforme al GDPR. Cifrato. Mai usato per l'addestramento dell'AI.

## Domande frequenti

Domande comuni su questo termine.

- **Q:** Is the outcome of mediation binding?
  **A:** Mediation itself is non-binding; it becomes binding only once the parties record their agreement in a settlement contract (vaststellingsovereenkomst).

- **Q:** Can a contract require mediation before litigation?
  **A:** Yes. A dispute resolution clause often makes mediation a mandatory step, and courts may stay proceedings if it was skipped.

- **Q:** How is mediation different from arbitration?
  **A:** In mediation the mediator has no power to impose a decision; the parties control the outcome. In arbitration the arbitrator makes a binding award. Mediation is collaborative; arbitration is adjudicative.

- **Q:** Is mediation confidential?
  **A:** Yes, typically. Statements and information exchanged during mediation are generally inadmissible in later court or arbitration proceedings. This confidentiality is one of its key advantages over litigation, and is usually reinforced in the mediation agreement.

- **Q:** What happens if one party refuses to participate in mediation?
  **A:** If mediation is contractually mandatory, a refusal may be a breach of the dispute resolution clause. A court may stay proceedings, award costs against the refusing party, or take the refusal into account in cost decisions. Mediation cannot ultimately be forced because it requires voluntary cooperation to succeed.

## Veda questi termini nei suoi contratti

Carichi un contratto e Contracko estrae i termini chiave, le date e gli obblighi, poi la ricorda prima che ciascuno diventi rilevante.

[Inizia la prova gratuita di 7 giorni](https://app.contracko.com/register?appLanguage=it)

Prenota una demo