Success Stories: Does Mediation Actually Work?

Does mediation actually work? The answer is a resounding yes. Statistics show that
agreements reached in mediation are honored over 80% of the time, compared to just 50% for
court-imposed orders. This is because mediation empowers you to create your own solutions.
To protect client confidentiality, the following case studies are representative examples of the
real-world outcomes we achieve.

Case Study 1: Inheritance & Family Disputes
• The Problem: A family was facing the prospect of spending £300,000 in legal fees to
fight over a £200,000 estate. The conflict was not just about money; it was tearing the
family apart.
• The Mediation: In a single day of guided mediation, the family members were able
to move beyond their entrenched positions and reach an agreement to keep the family
home, rather than being forced to sell it to pay lawyers.
• The Outcome: The family remained a family. The financial and emotional
devastation of litigation was avoided, and the core relationships were preserved, a
result that a court battle could never have achieved.

Case Study 2: High-Value Business Conflict
• The Problem: A severe partnership breakdown was heading for a projected three
years of costly litigation. The dispute threatened not only the business but also the
partners’ professional reputations, with the risk of public humiliation through court
records.
• The Mediation: Using shuttle mediation, where parties are in separate rooms, an
agreement was crafted that included a staged payment plan and a framework for a
future trading relationship. This was a creative, business-focused solution that a court
would not have been able to order.
• The Outcome: The partners saved an estimated £150,000 in barrister and expert
witness fees and, crucially, avoided years of uncertainty and public conflict. The
business was able to continue, and both partners could move forward constructively.

Case Study 3: Community & Neighbour Peace
• The Problem: A seemingly minor boundary dispute between neighbours had
escalated to the point of causing chronic stress and was putting a strain on one party’s
marriage. The emotional toll was far outweighing the issue at hand.
• The Mediation: An urgent mediation session was convened within 48 hours. The
process facilitated a meaningful apology and a practical shared-use arrangement for
the disputed area.
• The Outcome: The resolution brought immediate relief. Sleep patterns were restored,
and life returned to normal within weeks, not years. This demonstrates how mediation
can resolve the underlying emotional conflict, not just the legal issue.