Mediation & Conflict Resolution
Objective. Neutral. Solution-oriented. Schedule an initial consultationOur approachWhat is it about for you?
Choose your area—or first get an overview of what mediation is and how it works.
- Inheritance disputes between siblings
- Caring for the parents falls on one person
- Disagreement about what happens next in old age
- Owners’ meetings end in arguments
- Renovation or a special levy brings everything to a standstill
- Broken trust between owners and property management
- Conflicts within the team or between departments
- Sales and engineering are working against each other
- Shareholders blocking each other
Does your issue not fit into any of the three areas? Call me—in the initial consultation we will clarify whether mediation is the right path.
What is mediation?
Mediation is a confidential, structured process in which people work out a solution to their conflict themselves, with the help of a neutral mediator. The mediator does not decide anything and does not provide legal advice. He ensures that all sides are heard and that a conversation becomes possible when it no longer works on its own. The legal basis is the German Mediation Act.
In court, the question is who is right. In mediation, the question is what happens next. Instead of trading positions, we look together at what really matters to each side. This often leads to solutions a court could never order—and they last because the parties found them themselves.
What you can rely on
Voluntary
No one can be forced into mediation. Either side can end it at any time.
Confidential
What is said stays in the room. As a mediator, I am legally bound to confidentiality.
Neutral
I do not take sides—not even the side of the person who calls me first or pays me.
Self-determined
The solution comes from you. I guide the conversation; you make the decisions.
Informed
Before reaching an agreement, you can have it reviewed by a lawyer.
What mediation is not
- Not a courtNo one gets a judgment; no one loses.
- Not legal adviceYou clarify legal questions with your lawyer, including alongside the mediation.
- Not therapyIt is about a concrete solution, not processing the past.
- Not arbitrationAn arbitrator decides for you. A mediator does not.
Mediation, conciliation, arbitration, court—the difference
- Who decides?
- You do
- Voluntary?
- Yes, you can end it at any time
- Confidential?
- Yes
- Relationship afterwards
- Often preserved
- Who decides?
- You do, based on the conciliator’s proposal
- Voluntary?
- Sometimes mandatory before filing a claim
- Confidential?
- Usually
- Relationship afterwards
- Sometimes strained
- Who decides?
- The arbitrator
- Voluntary?
- Only if agreed by contract
- Confidential?
- Yes
- Relationship afterwards
- Usually strained
- Who decides?
- The judge
- Voluntary?
- No, if you are sued
- Confidential?
- No, generally public
- Relationship afterwards
- Usually strained
Is mediation right for you?
Mediation is a good fit if…
- you will still have to deal with each other after the conflict—as a family, in your building, or in your business
- talking alone no longer gets you anywhere
- you want a solution that is faster and less expensive than going to court
- confidentiality matters to you
- all parties are basically willing to talk
Mediation is not a good fit if…
- one side only wants to buy time
- a strong power imbalance makes open conversations impossible, for example in cases of violence or ongoing bullying
- there is potentially criminal conduct involved
- a fundamental legal question must be clarified by a court
- one side is unwilling to participate under any circumstances
We will clarify in the initial consultation whether mediation is suitable in your case. If it is not, I will tell you so openly.
How mediation works
Every mediation is different. But the process always follows the same structure.
- 1
Free initial consultation
You describe your situation. We clarify whether mediation is suitable, who is involved, and what it costs.
- 2
Individual meetings
Each side calmly presents their perspective, without the other being present.
- 3
Joint sessions
We organise the topics, make interests visible, and develop solutions. A session usually lasts 90 minutes.
- 4
Written agreement
What you decide together, we put in writing—if needed, notarised or as a resolution of the owners’ meeting.
- 5
Follow-up appointment
A few weeks later, we check whether the agreements hold up in everyday life.
How to prepare for the initial consultation
- Write down what matters most to you—not only what the other side did wrong.
- Consider what a good solution would look like for you, and what you could do without.
- Bring documents that are important for the issue, such as a will, resolutions, or contracts.
- Clarify any ongoing deadlines with your lawyer beforehand.
What this looks like in practice in your area: Family mediation · Real estate mediation · Business mediation
How much does mediation cost—and how long does it take?
A mediation session usually lasts 90 minutes and costs from €120. Most conflicts are resolved after three to six sessions. The initial consultation is free.
Who pays?
In families and among shareholders, those involved usually share the costs. In owners’ associations, the association can commission the mediation. In conflicts within a company, the company generally pays.
What if no agreement is reached?
Then you only pay for the sessions that actually took place. Going to court remains an option.
AI-generated
Who leads the mediation
I am Roland Caminades, a certified mediator under the German Mediation Act and a commercial lay judge at the Hanover Regional Court.
As a commercial lay judge, I see how long and expensive disputes in court can become—and how rarely anyone is satisfied afterwards. That is why I advocate a different path.
I bring experience from three worlds: industry and sales, the real estate sector as managing director of a property management company, and the Senior Citizens’ Advisory Council of the state capital Hanover. I know what it is like in a business, in a homeowner association, and in a family when things start to grind.
My rules on neutrality
- I do not mediate in homeowner associations managed by Caminades Hausverwaltung.
- If I advise or coach a company, I do not take on mediation there in the same matter.
- If there is a connection to one side, I disclose it at the outset. Mediation only takes place if everyone agrees.
Frequently asked questions about mediation
How do I recognise a good mediator?
Look for the title "certified mediator". It is legally protected and requires at least 130 hours of training, supervised practical cases, and regular continuing education. Just as important are experience with conflicts like yours and an open approach to any possible connections to one side.
Can I be forced into mediation?
No. Mediation is always voluntary. Even a court can only suggest mediation, not order it.
Is the outcome of mediation binding?
The agreement is a contract between the parties. If it is to be enforceable, it can be notarised or concluded as a lawyer-mediated settlement.
What happens if mediation fails?
You can stop at any time. The route to a lawyer or court remains open, and what was said in mediation remains confidential.
What happens if the other side does not want to take part?
Mediation cannot be forced. However, I can help you phrase an invitation that does not apply pressure. Often that is enough to encourage an initially reluctant party to participate.
Do I also need a lawyer?
Not necessarily, but it is often advisable. I do not provide legal advice. Deadlines and reviewing the agreement belong in a lawyer’s hands.
Do deadlines continue to run during mediation?
In many cases, yes—for example when challenging a WEG resolution or in an unfair dismissal claim. Therefore, clarify deadlines with a lawyer beforehand. You will find details under Real estate mediation and Business mediation.
