Overview
Mediation is a voluntary, equal and confidential process in which the parties find their own solution with the help of an impartial and independent mediator. The mediator does not decide; they help the parties communicate and see their interests and options.
Mehmet Türker serves as a mediator in mandatory and voluntary mediation. The office also represents parties in mediation meetings; the two roles are never combined in the same dispute.
What we handle
Mandatory mediation
Employment claims and reinstatement, commercial monetary claims, certain consumer disputes, leases, condominium, neighbour and partition disputes require mediation before a lawsuit can be filed.
Voluntary mediation
Any private-law dispute the parties can freely settle may be mediated before or during litigation.
How it works
The application is made to the courthouse mediation office or directly to a mediator. Joint and separate meetings follow, within statutory time limits for mandatory mediation (e.g. three weeks, extendable by one, in employment disputes).
Settlement agreement
An agreement signed by the parties, their lawyers and the mediator has the force of a court judgment and can be enforced directly.
Confidentiality
Documents and statements in mediation are confidential and cannot be used as evidence in later proceedings, unless the parties agree otherwise.
How the process works
Nature of the dispute
Whether mediation is mandatory and which mediation office is competent.
Preparation
Claim, calculations and documents prepared; negotiation limits set.
Meetings
Joint and separate meetings led by the mediator.
Agreement or final report
An enforceable agreement, or a final report opening the way to court.
Before your meeting
Bring originals or legible copies of whichever of the following you have. You don’t need everything — missing items are identified together.
- Contracts and correspondence
- Calculations and invoices
- Payslips and termination documents (employment)
- Lease and payment records (leases)
- Title deed (partition)
Key deadlines
| Matter | Period | Starts from |
|---|---|---|
| Employment mediation | 3 weeks (+1) | Appointment of the mediator |
| Commercial mediation | 6 weeks (+2) | Appointment of the mediator |
These are general rules; special provisions or a different starting date may apply in a particular case. It is best to have the deadline assessed on the day you receive a notification.
Frequently asked questions
What if I file a lawsuit without mandatory mediation?
It will be dismissed on procedural grounds for lack of a precondition.
What if I miss the first mediation meeting?
A party who fails to attend without valid excuse may have to bear all court costs in the later lawsuit, even if partly or wholly successful, and may not be awarded attorney’s fees.
Is a mediation agreement enforceable?
Yes. If signed by the parties, their lawyers and the mediator, it has the force of a judgment; otherwise an enforceability annotation can be obtained from the court.
The information on this page is general and does not constitute legal advice, a guarantee of outcome or an undertaking in respect of any specific matter. Periods and amounts are subject to change by legislation.
