Mediation can be initiated outside of or during a proceeding.
At the beginning of a mediation, the mediator and the parties sign an agreement called mediation agreement. By doing so, the parties agree to resolve their dispute by means of mediation in compliance with the Mediation Rules of the Centre for Civil and Commercial Mediation. The parties declare to respect these rules.
In the performance of his mission, the mediator helps the parties to find a negotiated solution for their dispute. The mediation duration may not exceed three months starting from the day when the mediation agreement is signed. In any case, the duration can be extended based on all parties' joint agreement. At each moment the parties, including the mediator, can stop the mediation at their discretion.
Once the parties come to an agreement, this so-called mediation settlement agreement describes in detail which actions have to be taken by each party. It is signed by all parties.