Mediation for Family and Business Disputes: A New Qualification at Prevence

Not every dispute needs to be won. Sometimes, the greatest value lies in resolving it.

We are pleased to share that our colleague, family law attorney Gabrielė Šinkonė, has become a certified mediator. This new qualification enables us to offer clients another route to resolving disputes – one focused not only on legal outcomes, but also on reaching practical and sustainable agreements.

Mediation offers a different way to address conflict. Rather than deciding who wins, it creates a structured and confidential process in which a neutral mediator helps the parties identify their underlying interests, communicate constructively and explore mutually acceptable solutions.

In many cases, mediation can offer a faster process, lower financial and emotional costs, and a better chance of preserving respectful relationships going forward. It is particularly valuable where the parties will need to continue making decisions together, maintaining a business relationship or working on a shared project after the dispute has been resolved.

Mediation is not a weaker alternative to litigation. It can be a deliberate and considered choice for parties who wish to retain greater control over the resolution of their dispute instead of leaving the outcome entirely to a third party.

Following a divorce, former spouses are often still connected by their most important shared responsibility: their children. Even once matters such as property, maintenance or a child’s residence have been resolved, parents must continue to address everyday issues – including contact arrangements, holidays, education, healthcare and other decisions that affect the child.

Mediation can help parents find solutions that take account not only of their individual positions, but also of the child’s best interests and the practical realities of family life. A constructive agreement can reduce future tension and provide the child with greater stability.

Mediacija taip pat gali būtiMediation can also be an effective way to resolve shareholder, business partner and commercial contract disputes. It is especially relevant where the parties recognise that a conflict should not destroy a valuable commercial relationship, joint venture or reputation.

Legal arguments remain important in such disputes, but they are not always enough to produce a workable outcome. Mediation makes it possible to consider the broader business context – including commercial interests, business continuity, confidentiality, client and partner communications – and to seek a solution that is acceptable to both sides.

Mediation is not appropriate for every dispute or at every stage of a conflict. However, where the parties are willing to engage in dialogue and look for a solution, it can provide an effective alternative to prolonged and emotionally demanding litigation.

We congratulate Gabrielė on this new qualification and are pleased to offer clients broader options for resolving family and business disputes.

For advice on mediation, family law or dispute resolution matters, please contact Gabrielė Šinkonė at info@prevence.legal.