The mediation process allows for a speedy resolution of the dispute within a very short period of time, much shorter than is required to hear a case in court.

The mediation process is more economically advantageous than a long-running lawsuit that can be costly, as its cost is controlled, because it is agreed in advance with the mediator and is borne by both parties equally.

The mediation process is conducted in a confidential framework, which does not allow the disclosure of sensitive information concerning the parties and the dispute that concerns them. (source: Ministry of Justice - www.diamesolavisi.gov.gr)

The Ombudsman is the person who with his skills as well as the communication skills in which he has been trained, certified and accredited, helps the parties to achieve a mutually acceptable solution to their dispute. The Ombudsman does not act as a judge, as he does not issue a decision and it is forbidden to impose on the parties the solution of its own choice. Its role is to facilitate communication and negotiation between the parties, so as to help them reach a mutually acceptable agreement, if they themselves see that this satisfies their interests

The duration of the mediation process depends on the type and complexity of the dispute between the parties, as well as on their own will. Indicatively speaking, we can say that the resolution of a commercial dispute, as it results from the practice of Mediation in Greece and abroad, refers to a process with an average duration of about 8 hours, even within the same day (source: Ministry of Justice - www. diamesolavisi.gov.gr).

If the parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement, the minutes shall be signed between them, which, after being submitted to the competent Court of First Instance, shall have the force of a court decision.