Mediation

1. Who are we?

Introduction - origins of the Centre

The Bar of Liège was the first in Belgium to set up a mediation centre.

The Centre officially started operations on 15 March 1996.

This new service offers those accused of criminal offences works under the responsibility of the Bar of Liège.

The Centre's functions

• To promote mediation
• To inform the public
• To arrange mediation

 2. What is mediation?

Definition

Mediation is an approach that entails the intervention of a qualified and impartial person in a dispute, who is  independent of the parties involved. This is the mediator who, observing confidentiality, will help the parties to work together to find the right solution.

Advantages of mediation

• confidentiality;
• facilitates resumption of the dialogue between the parties, enabling them to co-exist peacefully;
• produces "tailor-made" solutions, adapted to their particular requirements and which could not have been  obtained by means of legal proceedings;
• results in a more long-lasting solution, since it has been accepted by the parties, whereas a solution imposed by a judge risks frustrating at least one of them;
• eliminates protracted and expensive legal proceedings.

 3. When and how do I call on the services of a Centre mediator?

When

• even before a dispute arises;
• during the dispute;
• during legal proceedings;
• following a legal or arbitration-tribunal decision.

Assistance in appointing a mediator

• Both parties want mediation:

You may send back the enclosed form.

 

• One or more parties has yet to be persuaded:

At your request, the Centre can appoint a pre-mediator, who will get in contact with them and, if things proceed positively, help you in appointing a mediator together.

To be put in contact with a pre-mediator, all you need to do is return the enclosed form.