Most common questions – answers

Mediation is a voluntary meeting of parties with a neutral mediator – no courtrooms, no dockets, no externally imposed judgment. The parties create the solution themselves. The mediator facilitates the conversation, does not decide the outcome. The result – if parties agree – carries the legal weight of a court settlement once approved by the court.

Yes. Participation is always voluntary – either party can leave mediation at any time without giving reasons. Exception: from 1 March 2026, courts must refer construction cases to mediation before the first hearing (Art. 458³a CPC) – but even then, parties' participation remains voluntary. However, refusal without grounds may result in an adverse cost order.

Yes. Legal representation is permitted under Art. 183⁴ § 2 CPC. Most participants choose to attend alone however – mediation is a conversation, not a hearing. A lawyer can also be available by phone during a session break if you need advice without their physical presence.

Mediation cannot take place without both parties' consent. But: in court cases, the court may consider an unjustified refusal when ruling on costs (Art. 103 § 2 CPC) – even if the refusing party wins. The mediator typically contacts the other party and explains the process – often that is enough to secure agreement.

A single session typically lasts 2–4 hours. Most matters close in 1–3 sessions. From first contact to signed settlement: typically 2–6 weeks. For comparison: a civil case at first instance in Poland lasts on average 18–36 months (Ministry of Justice data for 2024).

Rates follow the Minister of Justice Regulation of 12 February 2026 (Journal of Laws 2026 item 170). In non-property matters (divorce, family, neighbour disputes): PLN 300 for the first session and PLN 200 for each subsequent – typically PLN 300–900 total. In property matters with a claim value up to PLN 200,000: PLN 300 + 2% of the dispute value (max PLN 4,000); above PLN 200,000 – PLN 4,000 plus 1% of the excess. Costs are split equally between parties.

Yes. If the case was already filed in court and the parties reached a settlement before a mediator, the court refunds 75% of the court fee (Art. 79(1)(1)(h) of the Act on Court Costs in Civil Cases, consolidated text: Journal of Laws 2024 item 959). This is an additional economic argument for mediation in cases already before the courts.

The mediator is neutral – stands between the parties, represents neither. The negotiator is on your side – represents your interests, prepares strategy and leads or supports the conversation. These roles are mutually exclusive in the same matter.

When: the amount or relationship at stake is significant, emotions may cost you the outcome, you're facing professional negotiators across the table, talks have stalled, or you have one shot and cannot afford to miss it. First conversation is free – we assess together whether and how we can help.

In-person in Bielsko-Biała, online via secure video link, or at a location indicated by the parties (we travel). Parties can sit in one room or separately (caucus). The choice of format belongs to the participants.

A settlement reached before a mediator and approved by the court carries the force of a court judgment (Art. 183¹⁵ § 1 CPC). This means it can be enforced by a bailiff like any enforcement title. Court approval typically takes 2–4 weeks from filing the application.

Yes – and those are precisely the cases where mediation is most useful. Court ignores emotions. Mediation creates space to express and work through them. The mediator helps move from positions ("I want X") to interests ("what matters to me is Y"). This often transforms the entire dynamic of the conversation.