Court-annexed mediation: settling cases faster

Article 159(2)(c) of the Constitution directs courts to promote alternative dispute resolution. The Judiciary runs court-annexed mediation in commercial, family, land and employment divisions in many court stations.

How it works

1. After filing, cases are screened and suitable ones referred to mediation.
2. A mediator is appointed from the accredited list.
3. Mediation is conducted within a set period, usually 60 days.
4. A settlement is recorded and adopted as a judgment of the court.

Benefits

• Speed: many matters settle within weeks.
• Cost: fewer hearings and lower legal costs.
• Control: the parties shape the outcome.
• Confidentiality: what is said in mediation cannot be used later in court.
• Relationships: useful where parties must keep dealing with each other — family, business partners, landlords and tenants.

Preparing for mediation

• Know your priorities and your walk-away point.
• Bring a decision-maker with authority to settle.
• Have your key documents ready.

If mediation fails, the case returns to court for hearing.

This article is general information, not legal advice on your situation.

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