Resolve small claims disputes quickly, confidentially, and without going to court. Suitable for small claims with a value under £10,000.
Crowther Mediation offers a free small claims mediation service in the UK for individuals and small businesses dealing with small claims disputes valued under £10,000. Our service is designed to help you settle disputes online, saving time, cost, and stress compared to court proceedings.
Our small claims mediation service provides a structured online mediation session (up to three hours), led by a trained, independent mediator who helps both parties work towards a practical and fair resolution.
Types of small claims disputes we handle
Our small claims mediation service can assist with a wide range of disputes under £10,000, including:
- Unpaid invoices and debt recovery
- Consumer disputes and refunds
- Landlord and tenant disagreements
- Property-related disputes
- Contract and service disputes
- Small business disagreements
If your dispute falls within the UK small claims track, it is likely suitable for mediation.
Why Choose Crowther Mediation?
Businesses and individuals choose Crowther Mediation’s free small claims mediation service due to our extensive legal expertise, thorough preparation and practical, impartial approach to resolving civil and commercial disputes.
Our independent, accredited mediators combine legal expertise with a calm, impartial and pragmatic approach, creating an environment where difficult conversations can become productive negotiations. Every civil mediation session is carefully prepared to ensure we understand the legal issues, commercial or personal priorities, and the wider context of the dispute before discussions begin.
Meet the team
How our free small claims mediation service works:
Our online small claims mediation sessions are designed to be simple, effective, and user-friendly.
Before your session (important)
To ensure the mediation is productive, both parties must provide:
- A short summary of the dispute
- Any key supporting documents
These must be submitted at least five days before the scheduled session.
- Introduction and process overview
The mediator explains how mediation works, confirms confidentiality, and sets clear ground rules. - Separate confidential sessions (caucus mediation)
All mediations are conducted in separate online rooms. You will not be in the same virtual room as the other party. This allows you to speak openly and confidentially with the mediator. - Private discussion of your case
You explain your position, concerns, and what outcome you are seeking in a confidential setting. - Mediated negotiation
The mediator moves between both parties, helping clarify issues, test options, and identify possible areas of agreement. - Agreement (if reached)
If a settlement is reached, the mediator will help record the agreement clearly for both parties.
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What our clients say
Benefits of mediation for small claims
Choosing mediation instead of court offers clear advantages:
- Free small claims mediation service through our clinic
- Faster resolution than court proceedings
- Online convenience – attend from anywhere in the UK
- Confidential and without public hearings
- Less formal and less stressful than litigation
- You control the outcome, not a judge
Is mediation right for your dispute?
Mediation is particularly effective if both parties are willing to:
- Engage in constructive discussion
- Consider compromise and practical solutions
- Avoid the time and cost of court proceedings
You do not need a solicitor or legal representation to take part.
Supporting the next generation of mediators
Our Small Claims Mediation Service also plays an important role in supporting the development of future mediators.
With the agreement of everyone involved, mediation sessions may be observed by delegates from our Civil Mediation Training Course who are working towards Civil Mediation Council accreditation. All observations are conducted confidentially, and delegates are bound by the same professional standards and confidentiality requirements as accredited mediators.
By choosing our FREE Small Claims Mediation Service, you’re not only giving your dispute the opportunity to be resolved without court proceedings, but also helping aspiring mediators gain the practical experience needed to become accredited professionals.
Book a free small claims mediation session
If you are looking for free small claims mediation service in the UK, our clinic is here to help.
Contact Crowther Mediation UK to:
- Check if your case is suitable
- Arrange a session
- Receive guidance on how to prepare
Small Claim Mediation – FAQs
What is a free small claims mediation service?
Our free small claims mediation service offers up to two hours of online mediation for disputes with a claim value of less than £10,000.
Mediation is conducted by a Civil Mediation Council (CMC) accredited mediator, supported by a trainee mediator who co-mediates the session. Our service provides parties with an opportunity to explore settlement, avoid unnecessary court proceedings and resolve their dispute in a confidential and constructive environment.
Is small claims mediation free?
Yes. Crowther Mediation offers a free, two-hour online mediation session with a CMC-accredited civil mediator for eligible disputes with a claim value of less than £10,000.
There is no charge for the initial two-hour mediation session.
Can I get free mediation before going to court?
Yes. Mediation can be attempted before court proceedings are issued, and it is often advisable to explore whether a dispute can be resolved without the time, cost and stress associated with litigation.
Our free small claims mediation service provides an opportunity for parties to discuss their dispute and consider potential solutions before making a court application.
Is Crowther Mediation’s service the same as HMCTS mediation?
No. Although Crowther Mediation offers a free mediation service for eligible small claims disputes, we are entirely independent of HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS).
Our mediation service is delivered by Crowther Mediation and is separate from the mediation services provided by HMCTS.
What types of small claims can be mediated?
Our free small claims mediation service is available for disputes with a claim value of less than £10,000, subject to suitability and both parties agreeing to participate.
Mediation may be suitable for a wide range of civil disputes, including contractual disagreements, unpaid invoices, property-related disputes and other financial claims.
The suitability of a dispute will depend on its circumstances.
Can I use mediation if I haven’t started a court claim?
Yes. You do not necessarily need to have started court proceedings to explore mediation.
In many cases, attempting mediation at an early stage can help parties resolve their dispute before court proceedings become necessary. Our mediators can help parties explore their options and identify whether mediation is appropriate.
How long does small claims mediation take?
Small claims mediation provides up to two hours of online mediation.
We aim to arrange a mediation session with one of our mediators within 7–14 days, subject to mediator availability and both parties agreeing to participate.
Can the sessions take place online?
Yes. Crowther Mediation’s small claims mediation service is delivered entirely online.
Online mediation provides a convenient way for parties to participate from separate locations, reducing the need to travel. Sessions are conducted confidentially using an online meeting platform.
Do both parties have to agree to mediation?
Yes. Both parties must agree to participate in the mediation session.
Mediation is a voluntary process, and a mediator cannot require either party to reach an agreement. Both parties have the opportunity to explain their position, consider the other party’s perspective and explore potential solutions.
What happens if mediation doesn’t reach an agreement?
If the dispute is not resolved during the two-hour mediation session, the parties can consider their next steps.
Depending on the circumstances, this may include:
- Exploring whether further mediation would be beneficial.
- Continuing discussions to try to reach an agreement.
- Issuing or continuing court proceedings, where appropriate.
Mediation does not prevent a party from pursuing court proceedings if an agreement cannot be reached. The mediator will not impose a decision on either party.
Other Mediation services
Civil Mediation
Civil disputes come in a range of forms and can feel both stressful and daunting for those involved. Our mediators help clients start conversations.
Learn more about Civil Mediation
Family Mediation
Family mediation is a voluntary process which allows separating or divorced couples to have a discussion – not an argument – in a safe & controlled environment.
Learn more about Family Mediation
Legally Guided Mediation
This advanced mediation model provides an invaluable opportunity for clients to be supported through the process by their legal representatives.
Learn more about Legally Guided Mediation
