Everything you want to know, in short.

The duration depends on the complexity of the conflict, the number of parties and their willingness to negotiate. Some situations become clear within a few sessions; others need a longer course. The important difference from litigation: the schedule is set by the parties together with the mediator, not by deadlines fixed from outside.

The fee is set transparently, in writing, before the mediation contract is signed, based on the type and complexity of the dispute. As a rule, the parties split it equally, unless they agree otherwise. The information session is free, and we communicate the mediation fee after studying and assessing the case file — before you commit to anything.

No. Mediation is voluntary from beginning to end: either party may terminate the mediation contract and withdraw at any time, with no obligation to reach an agreement. Any obligations regarding the fee and expenses remain those provided in the mediation contract and by law. Nobody can force you to sign something that does not suit you.

The agreement is a valid contract between the parties. Depending on its content, it can become enforceable through notarial authentication, through court confirmation (a consent judgment) or, under art. 58 of Law no. 192/2006, through its verification and attestation by the parties' lawyers or by a notary. Once it has become an enforceable title, it can be enforced just like a court judgment. For agreements concerning real estate, property division or inheritance, the formalities provided by law are required.

Yes — and it is often a very good idea. Lawyers may attend the sessions, review the agreement before signing and advise you between meetings. The mediator's role and the lawyer's role do not compete — they complement each other.

Nobody can be forced to participate. We can, however, send the other party an official invitation to mediation, explaining the procedure and its advantages — in practice, many initial refusals turn into acceptance once the party understands mediation does not disadvantage them. If the refusal persists, all your legal remedies remain open.

Yes — mediation is possible at any stage of the proceedings, even on appeal. The court can suspend the trial for mediation, the agreement is confirmed through a consent judgment, and the court may order, at the request of the interested party, the refund of the stamp duty paid, under art. 63 of Law no. 192/2006 (with special rules for real estate, property divisions and inheritance cases).

Yes, mediation can be organised by videoconference — a frequent solution for the diaspora and for parties in different cities or countries. The principles remain the same (confidentiality, voluntariness), documents can be signed electronically under the conditions of the electronic signature legislation, and for documents that require a specific form, the formalities provided by law remain necessary.

Rights the parties cannot legally dispose of: the dissolution of the marriage itself (divorce is pronounced by the notary, registrar or court), establishing parentage, serious offences prosecuted ex officio. The effects of these situations, however — property division, children, compensation — are often perfectly mediable.

Check the authorisation in the Panel of Mediators kept by the Romanian Mediation Council, the experience with your type of dispute and the working language. Just as important: talk to the mediator for 15 minutes first — the trust you feel in that conversation is the best predictor of a successful mediation.

Yes. The mediator is bound by professional secrecy by law and may not be heard as a witness about the mediation except in strictly defined exceptional cases. Proposals and statements made in mediation cannot be used as evidence in judicial or arbitral proceedings, except where the parties agree otherwise or the law provides to the contrary. What you tell us in private sessions does not reach the other party without your explicit permission.

A free, confidential information session — by phone, video or at the office. You describe your situation briefly, we explain how mediation works and tell you honestly whether it makes sense for your case. Then you decide at your own pace, with no obligation.