Civil and commercial mediation · Contractual disputes

Contractual disputes When an agreement goes off track

A poorly executed contract, a disputed service, an invoice that will not pass, a challenged warranty. Contractual mediation resolves these disagreements without losing months in proceedings.

A cross-cutting matter

The contract, backbone of our economic relations

Everything — or almost — is a contract. A craftsman installing your kitchen, a consultant delivering a report, a healthcare professional treating you, an architect drawing your plans, a web designer rebuilding your site: each of these relationships is framed by a contract, written or implicit.

And when things do not go as planned — missed deadlines, insufficient quality, disputed price, misunderstood specifications — the relationship turns into a dispute. Contractual mediation intervenes precisely at this pivotal moment, before the disagreement becomes a long and costly lawsuit.

Typical cases

The contractual disputes we handle

🛠️ Defects and flaws

Poorly executed work (construction, kitchen, bathroom, roof…), non-conforming service, result that does not match what was expected.

💸 Disputed invoices

Amount higher than quoted, unvalidated overruns, invoiced but unrequested services, dispute over payment terms.

⏱️ Missed deadlines

Late delivery, contractual deadline overrun, economic damage linked to the delay, disputed penalties.

🔒 Warranties and after-sales service

Refused legal or contractual warranty, disagreement on warranty scope, disputed partial coverage.

📜 Contract interpretation

Each party reads the contract their own way. Does this clause mean this or that? What exactly does this service cover? What happens if…?

🚪 Disputed termination

Unilateral termination deemed abusive, disputed notice period, challenged termination compensation, non-refunded deposits.

For whom

Mediation useful for three types of audiences

👤 Individuals facing a professional

You are in dispute with a craftsman, service provider or professional. You do not want to lose 12 months in court for a few thousand euros.

🏢 SMEs and self-employed

A service contract going off track with a client or supplier. Mediation preserves the business relationship and saves time.

⚖️ Professionals

A dissatisfied client, a disagreement over fees, a disputed intellectual service. Mediation preserves your reputation and energy.

Why mediate rather than litigate

Specific advantages in contractual matters

Contractual mediation offers particularly strong advantages compared to the judicial route:

  • Concrete and technical analysis — the mediator can examine documents in detail, hear technical explanations, understand the operational context. A judge never has as much time.
  • Creative solutions — an agreement can include corrective work, a replacement, a payment schedule, a commercial gesture… The judge can only award damages.
  • Speed — 4 to 8 weeks versus 12 to 24 months for proceedings before the first instance or business court.
  • Proportionate cost — often relevant even for disputes of a few thousand euros, which is not the case with a lawsuit (fixed costs too high).
  • Confidentiality — no disastrous publicity for your business or profession (art. 1728 Belgian Judicial Code).
Frequently asked questions

What we are often asked

For a €3,000 dispute, is it worth it?

Yes, very often. A civil lawsuit for €3,000 costs almost as much as the dispute itself (lawyers, expertise, time). A mediation at €800-1,500 shared is resolved in 3-4 weeks. The cost/time ratio is significantly more favourable.

The other party will not listen. Is it worth trying?

This is precisely where mediation makes sense. A neutral third party can often unblock a situation where parties no longer speak. A formal invitation by Mediation4U has a much better acceptance rate than a direct approach.

My lawyer is preparing the case. Should I stop them to try mediation?

No, absolutely not. Your lawyer can accompany you in mediation or continue in parallel on the judicial file. Many lawyers today recommend mediation upstream or in parallel. Some attend as counsel.

Can I prepare an agreement myself and have it approved?

It is legally possible (amicable settlement). But an agreement from mediation formalised by a certified mediator is more solid, better structured, and its approval by the judge is faster because the legal framework is respected (art. 1731 Belgian Judicial Code).

How long does contractual mediation take?

Generally 3 to 8 weeks. A simple dispute (invoice, isolated defect) can be resolved in 1-2 sessions. A complex dispute (multiple issues, expertise required) may require 4-5 sessions over 2-3 months.

A problematic contract?

Contact us for a first confidential discussion. We assess together whether mediation is suitable for your situation and direct you to the mediator whose profile is best suited to your case.

Contact us Start diagnostic