Voluntary
Each party freely agrees to participate and may stop the process.
Out-of-court dispute resolution
Resolve a dispute through mediation
Mediation helps people discuss a conflict with a neutral professional and find a solution they choose themselves. It may be used before going to court or while proceedings are pending.
Core principles
What makes mediation different
Confidential
The discussion is private within the limits established by law and the parties’ agreement.
Neutral
The mediator is independent, impartial and does not take sides.
Self-determined
The parties develop and accept the solution themselves.
When it may help
Disputes suitable for mediation
The suitability of mediation depends on the circumstances and willingness of both parties. A Free Legal Aid lawyer can help assess the legal options.
Family disputes
Parenting arrangements, a child’s place of residence, maintenance, division of joint property.
Employment and business
Workplace conflicts, contractual disagreements and partnership issues.
Inheritance and property
Inheritance, use or division of property, land and neighbourhood disputes.
Community and administrative matters
Where the law permits negotiation and the authority has room to agree a solution.
Restorative justice
Certain criminal-law conflicts, including current programmes involving children and victims.
Five steps
How to start mediation
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01
Get legal advice
Understand your rights, legal deadlines and whether mediation is appropriate in the circumstances.
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02
Check the other party’s willingness
Mediation starts only if all participants agree voluntarily.
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03
Choose a mediator
Check training, experience, specialisation, neutrality, fees and the procedure for the meetings.
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04
Agree the process
Sign an agreement to conduct mediation and define confidentiality, format, time and cost.
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05
Record the outcome
If an agreement is reached, set out the terms clearly and obtain legal advice on formalisation where needed.
Free Legal Aid support
What our lawyers can do
Everyone in Ukraine may receive free legal information and advice about access to mediation. This is different from paying for the mediation session itself.
Explain your rights and options
Including legal deadlines and the consequences of possible agreements.
Assess access to mediation
Explain where and how a mediation service may be obtained in your situation.
Help prepare documents
Provide assistance with applications and other non-procedural legal documents within the scope of primary legal aid.
Is mediation free of charge?
The price and how it is shared are agreed with the mediator. Some social services, pro bono initiatives or state programmes may provide mediation free of charge, but availability depends on the case and current programme conditions.
Mediation within specific Free Legal Aid programmes
The Free Legal Aid system engages mediators under specific state mechanisms, including restorative justice involving a child suspected or accused of a criminal offence and the victim. A lawyer will explain whether a current programme applies to your situation.
Read about restorative justice
Choose an informed path
Mediation and court proceedings
| Mediation | Court proceedings | |
|---|---|---|
| Who decides | The parties themselves | A judge within the claims and law |
| Participation | Voluntary | Determined by procedural rules |
| Format | Flexible and agreed by the parties | Formal procedure and deadlines |
| Privacy | Confidential by principle | Court hearings are generally open, subject to legal exceptions |
| Relationships | Aims to support dialogue and workable future relations | Focuses on resolving the legal claim |
Possible result
An agreement reached through mediation, another civil-law agreement, a settlement agreement or agreed practical steps. A lawyer can advise how to formalise the result.
Law of Ukraine On Mediation
Start with a consultation
Not sure whether mediation is right for your dispute?
Tell a Free Legal Aid lawyer about the situation. You will receive a legal explanation of possible options and next steps without committing to mediation.
