What is Court Mandated Mediation?
Court mandated mediation is a legal process in which the UAE courts direct disputing parties to attempt to resolve their conflict through mediation before continuing with litigation. Unlike voluntary mediation, where both parties opt into the process by choice, court mandated mediation is legally required and supervised by the court system.
In the UAE, this approach is grounded in recent legal reforms that aim to reduce case backlogs and promote amicable dispute resolution. Specifically, the UAE Civil Procedure Code (Federal Law No. 11 of 1992, as amended) outlines provisions that enable the judiciary to refer certain civil, commercial, and family disputes to mediation.
Court mandated mediation reflects the UAE’s broader efforts to modernise its judicial system and encourage more efficient, less adversarial solutions.
When is Mediation mandated by UAE Courts?
UAE courts may mandate mediation in a variety of legal contexts. Below are the main types:
Family Mediation
Family courts in the UAE often require parties to engage in mediation, especially in cases involving divorce, custody, or financial arrangements. The goal of family mediation is to resolve sensitive personal matters in a way that preserves family relationships and minimises trauma—especially for children.
Civil Mediation
For civil disputes involving contracts, property, and other non-criminal matters, courts may refer cases to mediation to streamline proceedings. If the issue appears resolvable without full litigation, judges may issue a mediation order early in the process.
Workplace Mediation
Labor and employment disputes—such as wrongful dismissal or wage issues—may be directed to mediation by the court. This helps both employers and employees reach a fair and confidential resolution without prolonged courtroom battles.
The Court Mandated Mediation Process
How does the process start?
Once a court refers a case to mediation, both parties are notified and required to attend a mediation session facilitated by an accredited mediator. The court will provide a deadline by which mediation should be completed, often within a few weeks.
Timeline and what to expect
- Initial Notification: The court issues a mediation order.
- Appointment of Mediator: Either court-appointed or the parties may agree to work with an independent firm like Crowther Mediation.
- Mediation Sessions: One or more sessions are held, typically over a 2 – 4 week period.
Outcome: If an agreement is reached, it is documented and approved by the court. If not, the case returns to litigation.
Benefits of Court Mandated Mediation
Court mandated mediation offers several advantages for parties in dispute:
- Time Efficiency: Resolving disputes through mediation can be significantly faster than court trials.
- Cost Savings: Mediation reduces legal fees and court costs.
- Confidentiality: Sessions are private, unlike court proceedings which may be public.
- Control: Parties maintain control over the outcome rather than leaving the decision solely to a judge.
- Preserved Relationships: Especially important in family and workplace disputes.
Why Choose Crowther Mediation?
At Crowther Mediation, we’re proud to be the first independent mediation firm in the UAE, offering expert support in both voluntary and court-ordered cases.
Why Work With Us?
- Specialists in Court Mandated Mediation: We have deep experience navigating the court-mandated process.
- Certified Mediators: Our team consists of internationally trained and UAE-accredited professionals.
- Neutral and Independent: As a private firm, we provide impartial mediation, free from institutional bias.
- High Success Rate: We are trusted by law firms, corporations, and individuals alike.
Learn more about our team and approach on our About Page.
Next Steps: How to Get Started
If your case has been referred to court mandated mediation—or you anticipate it will be—Crowther Mediation is here to help.
Take the First Step:
- Contact us via our online form
- Call us directly for a free consultation
- Or speak with your legal representative about appointing Crowther Mediation as your mediator
Let’s help you move forward—efficiently, confidentially, and with expert guidance.
