MEDIATION
Conflict is normal. What matters is how you handle it.
I will help you handle it well.
What is mediation
How it works →
Advantages →
Fees →
FAQ →
Conflict is a natural part of life. When handled well, it can lead to growth and positive change. When handled poorly, it can damage relationships and lead to frustration, exhaustion, or lengthy court battles.
Mediation is a method of resolving disputes with the help of an independent third person — the mediator. It offers a safe and constructive way to discuss issues that are difficult to talk about. The goal of mediation is agreement.
Mediation is for people who would like to resolve a difficult situation but find it hard to do so because of built-up emotions and communication barriers. It’s especially useful where the parties need to stay in contact or cooperate in the future — or where they simply want to end their cooperation fairly and efficiently.
Mediation is not suitable in cases where one party only seeks to defeat the other, where a crime has been committed, or where one party uses threats or physical violence against the other.
FAMILY
MEDIATION
Sensitively coming to agreement taking into account close relationships and their future. Handling separation, child care, intergenerational and property disputes with dignity.
CONSTRUCTION MEDIATION
Impartial, expert resolution of construction-related disputes from initial concept to satisfactory completion. An out-of-court solution that saves time and money, and protects professional reputations.
MEDIATION IN CIVIL DISPUTES
Facing conflict head-on. Resolving legal, contractual, and property disputes impartially, constructively and with certainty.
RELATIONSHIP MEDIATION
An opportunity to manage challenging situations in relationships, ease tensions and improve communication, which is the key to change.
COURT-ORDERED MEDIATION
A chance to reach an agreement instead of a verdict. Make your own decisions about your future.
RELATIONSHIP MEDIATION
An opportunity to manage challenging situations in relationships, ease tensions and improve communication, which is the key to change.
COURT-ORDERED MEDIATION
A chance to reach an agreement instead of a verdict. Make your own decisions about your future.
How mediation works
Mediation takes the form of a meeting between the parties to the conflict and the mediator. It’s a confidential process in which the mediator acts as a neutral professional working for the benefit of both sides. The mediator does not judge, evaluate or propose an agreement.
The mediator is an expert in conflict and communication, who conducts negotiations in such way that both parties have the opportunity comment on the situation, clarify their positions, see the other party’s demands from a different perspective, explore potential solutions that best suit the given conditions, and consider their possible impact. With the mediator’s help, the parties will reach mutually acceptable solutions.
One mediation session lasts three hours. The total number of sessions required depends on the depth and complexity of the dispute.
A mediation agreement can serve as a basis for court proceedings in matters where a final decision of the court is required (e.g. divorce or child custody arrangements). If the parties wish, they can consult the agreement with their lawyers or other experts before signing it.
Co-mediation
For a broader professional perspective, diversity of opinion, and balanced guidance, I offer team mediation in collaboration with a colleague. Meet my team of regular collaborators and professionals from various fields of dispute resolution
“Peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of creative alternatives for responding to conflict.”
/ Dorothy Thompson
ADVANTAGES OF MEDIATION
- Compared to court proceedings, mediation offers a faster and cheaper alternative. Most mediations are concluded within just a few sessions (typically two to four), while court cases can drag on for months or even years, cost unpredictable amounts and prolong a stressful period of uncertainty, with no guarantee of a satisfactory outcome.
- Unlike court rulings, mediation gives you the opportunity to make your own decisions about your future.
- Willingness to follow through on an agreement is greater than on a court order.
- Mediation makes future cooperation easier.
- Mediation provides a discreet and confidential environment in which to resolve sensitive matters, without an audience, witnesses, experts or judges.
- And if reaching an agreement still proves impossible, you can always turn to the court.
Fees
Family mediation:
single mediator: Czech/English
CZK 1,600/2,000
co-mediation:* Czech/English
from CZK 2,400/3,000
Construction and commercial mediation:
single mediator: Czech/English
CZK 3,000/3,800
co-mediation:* Czech/English
from 4,600
Court-ordered mediation:
Initial meeting with mediator:
CZK 400
Thereafter, according to the rates above.
All fees are per commenced hour of a mediation session.
*Rates vary depending on the co-mediator.
FAQ
1. Can a lawyer represent me in mediation?
No. In mediation, the parties to the dispute themselves take part in the discussions. Mediation through a representative is not effective. Your lawyer may be present to support you, but only if the other party agrees in advance.
2. Can I bring my lawyer/someone else with me?
Mediation must be a safe space for both parties. The presence of any additional person must be agreed upon by the other party. The parties are the main participants in the process — but anyone who provides genuine support or a constructive perspective is an asset.
3. Do you offer online mediation?
Occasionally, and only by agreement. I generally prefer in-person meetings — I work better that way and enjoy it more.
4. Do you offer separate mediation sessions so the parties don’t have to meet?
No, I don’t offer what’s called shuttle mediation. A key principle of mediation is giving both parties the opportunity to meet, despite communication barriers, and understand each other’s needs better while seeking solutions together. That’s why joint sessions are more effective. In exceptional circumstances, a short separate meeting can be held during a session, if necessary.
5. Can we come to mediation even if our conflict is really intense and we can’t talk calmly?
Absolutely. That’s exactly what I’m here to help you handle.
6. The other party doesn’t want to do mediation. What should I do?
Mediation is a voluntary process. It’s not for everyone or every situation, and the timing also has to be right. Before giving up, make sure the other person knows you’re offering to discuss their needs as well, not just your own. If you’re unsure how to approach them, I’m happy to help you contact and motivate the other party.
7. Is mediation possible if the other person is on drugs or medication?
It depends on the type of drugs and to what extent they affect their ability to keep agreements. The key question is whether you believe the other person can realistically follow through on what you agree.
8. How do you ensure confidentiality in mediation and prevent sensitive information from being used against me?
By law, I’m bound by confidentiality. That means I cannot disclose or testify about what was (or wasn’t) said during mediation. Additionally, a mutual confidentiality agreement between the parties can be signed at the beginning of the process.
9. How do you ensure mediation is balanced and one side isn’t disadvantaged?
Impartiality is required both by law and the Mediators’ Association’s Code of Ethics. For greater comfort, I also offer co-mediation with a male or female colleague.
10. How can we make sure our mediation agreement is binding and enforceable?
A mediation agreement is binding in the same way as any other written agreement — including in terms of enforceability. However, if you want to add extra legal safeguards and complete the necessary legal steps based on your agreement, I would recommend a joint consultation with a lawyer (e.g. my colleague), who will work towards implementing your agreement.
In matters involving childcare, you can ask the Authority for Social and Legal Protection of Children (OSPOD) to include your agreement in your case file (if you already have one, or will get one)
11. Can our children be involved in mediation — for example, to share their views about custody after our separation/divorce?
Yes, but… First we all need to agree on the purpose and form of your child’s involvement in the mediation, and on how their wishes will be taken into account afterwards. I’ll explain in advance what children typically experience during their parents’ separation and what their needs are.
12. We need to reach an agreement, but there’s been domestic violence in our home. Can mediation still help?
Domestic violence is a contraindication to mediation. However, it’s a little-known fact that physical aggression is not uncommon in high conflict situations and does not necessarily constitute domestic violence. Safe communication in mediation (and agreement) can be helpful in releasing tension. Has the violence been going on for some time, or was it an isolated outburst in a moment of desperation? If you’re unsure, please contact a professional who specialises in domestic violence to help you assess your situation first.
13. I’m worried that as a woman, you might take the woman’s side when discussing divorce.
Impartiality is required by both law and the Mediators’ Association’s Code of Ethics. For additional comfort, I offer co-mediation with a male mediator.
14. Can we calculate child support during mediation?
Yes. During mediation, we can calculate child support together using the methodology and recommended tables of the Ministry of Justice. You’ll need to bring along information about your incomes. It also helps if both of you review the methodology in advance. Please note that the tables are only guidelines — the final arrangement should always reflect your specific situation and your children’s needs.