Cost containment through mediation

The costs for mediation remain transparent since a solution acceptable to both sides is normally achieved after only a few sessions.

The parties jointly decide on how to split the costs. General each conflict party bears the costs for its own side (e.g. the attorney and/or expert representing that party) and the pro rata costs of the business mediator. The mediator can charge by the hour or for a half or a whole day. Depending on the profession's customs and the case in question a basic fee and a contingent component can be agreed. The hourly rate varies according to the value in dispute and the business mediator's qualifications (for example, rates between EUR 180 and 420 are typical).  

In civil litigation the losing party pays all court and attorney's fees including those of the other side. This forces the adversarial parties to do everything possible to minimise their risk of losing.

Litigation does not just trigger court costs and legal expenses; in the companies concerned it blocks many different resources and human energies, sometimes for years at a time. With the use of mediation this valuable potential is freed up faster and made available to the company again. The confidentiality of mediation prevents incalculable consequential costs and damage to the corporate image.

• Gebührenübersicht / Vergleich von Mediations- und Gerichtskosten