Four certified mediators at Mediation4U intervene directly to resolve your civil and commercial disputes — a fast, confidential and relationship-respectful path, framed by Belgian law.
Civil and commercial mediation is a structured and voluntary process by which two or more parties in conflict attempt, with the help of a neutral and certified mediator, to reach a balanced and lasting agreement — without recourse to a judge, or in parallel with already-initiated court proceedings.
In Belgium, it is governed by articles 1724 to 1737 of the Belgian Judicial Code, significantly amended by the law of 18 June 2018 and supplemented by the law of 19 December 2023 (Amicable Settlement Chambers). An agreement resulting from a mediation conducted by a certified mediator may, under the conditions of Article 1733 of the Belgian Judicial Code, be submitted to the court for approval; it then has the effects of a judgment.
Unlike arbitration — where a third party rules on the dispute — the mediator imposes nothing. He helps the parties build together a solution that belongs to them, one they would never have obtained through an imposed judgment.
Civil and commercial mediation covers a vast field. We have grouped our interventions around the five major typologies of conflicts for which we are most often solicited.
Disputes with a supplier, client or commercial partner. Contract breach, non-payment, disagreement on service performance.
Discover →Neighbourhood disturbances, disagreements in general meetings, disputes between co-owners or with the property manager. Special jurisdiction of the justice of the peace (art. 591 Belgian Judicial Code).
Discover →Noise, building works, plantings, views, party walls, water run-off. Disputes between adjoining properties, outside a co-ownership.
Discover →Contract interpretation, non-performance, defect, disagreement on termination or renewal terms. For individuals, SMEs and professionals.
Discover →Strategic disagreement, share transfer, partner exit, governance deadlock. A valuable alternative to judicial dissolution.
Discover →For family conflicts (separation, child custody, inheritance), Mediation4U also has two certified family mediators. See our Family mediation page.
A structured process, generally completed in 4 to 8 weeks, depending on case complexity and party availability.
You describe your situation. We verify that mediation is suitable and propose a mediator with a relevant profile.
The mediator meets the parties (together or separately), presents the framework and signs the mediation agreement.
Generally 2 to 5 sessions, where the mediator facilitates dialogue, helps identify real interests and explore solutions.
The agreement is formalised in writing. On request, it can be approved by the judge and then acquires enforceable force (art. 1733 Belgian Judicial Code).
Article 1724 Belgian Judicial Code — Definition and scope of civil and commercial mediation.
Article 1728 Belgian Judicial Code — Confidentiality: documents and communications from the mediation cannot be used in judicial, administrative or arbitration proceedings (unless the parties agree in writing; the mediation protocol and the signed agreement are in principle not covered).
Article 1731 Belgian Judicial Code — Mediation agreement: written framework signed by all parties.
Article 1731 § 3 Belgian Judicial Code — Suspension of the limitation period: signing the mediation protocol suspends the limitation period for the duration of the mediation.
Article 1733 Belgian Judicial Code — Court approval of an agreement reached with a certified mediator: the approval order has the effects of a judgment.
Mediation4U is one of the rare Belgian non-profits to bring together four certified civil and commercial mediators within a single structure: Lionel Fuchs (business owner, commercial court judge), Xavier van den Bossche (lawyer at the Brussels Bar), Nathalie Meffre (consultant and coach), Tuan-Anh Bui (lawyer at the Brussels Bar).
This diversity of profiles is a major asset: we choose together the mediator whose background and sensitivity best match your case. A dispute between business leaders does not have the same dynamic as a conflict between professionals — and the right mediator makes all the difference.
Our mediations take place at the non-profit headquarters (Chaussée de Charleroi 35, 1060 Saint-Gilles) or in a neutral location agreed with the parties. They are possible in French, Dutch and English.
Mediation comes in three forms — free, voluntary and judicial — each with distinct legal effects. The lawyer's task: to choose the path best suited to the client's interests.
Read the article →From 2018 to 2026, Belgium multiplied reforms favouring amicable resolution, up to compulsory amicable settlement chambers. A review of an ambitious yet still underused framework.
Read the article →A commercial lawsuit can cost far more than expected. Lawyer’s fees, bailiff costs, expert reports, appeal and lost time should be assessed before going to court.
Read the article →Contact us for a first confidential and no-obligation discussion. We assess with you whether mediation is suitable for your situation, and propose the mediator best placed to support you.
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