What is a pre-mediation call?

The pre-mediation call is a meeting (normally arranged as a video call) which the mediator has with each party before the mediation day to explain the process of mediation and discuss their case confidentially.

Prior to the mediation, the mediator will organise confidential calls (normally done as a video call) with each party. These calls normally last 30 minutes to an hour and take place a few days before the mediation day.

During this call, the mediator will introduce themselves so that you can get to know them and discuss the mediation process with each party. This will be about checking practical matters – start and end times of the mediation; and who is going to attend – as well as explaining how the process works.

The mediator will also on this call have a conversation about your case so that they understand it and can help you and the other party to prepare for the mediation – for example, are there any more documents that it would be useful to share beforehand? They will also normally talk to you about what has happened in the case so far and what the next steps are in the legal process, for example future court dates.

The mediator will not normally go into all of the details of the case on this call but instead it is intended to be introductory so that the day can be as effective as possible. The pre-mediation call is confidential and without prejudice and any information shared within it is part of the mediation process.