CenaComCenter for Conflict Management and Accredited Resolution Services

No, participation in the out-of-court dispute resolution procedure does not entail any legal disadvantages:

• No precedent effect for subsequent court proceedings
• No costs if mediation is unsuccessful (except own procedural costs)
• No commitment to settlement proposals of the mediator/arbitrator
• Procedure can be terminated at any time without giving reasons
• Suspension of the statute of limitations remains in place throughout the proceedings

On the contrary: conciliation proceedings protect your rights by suspending the statute of limitations and fulfill the procedural requirements for subsequent court proceedings.

Yes, CenaCom offers modern online dispute resolution for maximum flexibility:

Available online formats:

• Video conferences via secure, GDPR-compliant platforms
• Hybrid negotiations (one part online, one part on site)
• Document exchange via encrypted online portals
• Digital signatures for settlement agreements

Advantages of online mediation:

• No travel costs and time savings
• Supra-regional procedures without geographical restrictions
• Flexible scheduling even outside business hours
• Environmentally friendly alternative to face-to-face appointments

Technical requirements:

• Internet-enabled device (computer, tablet, smartphone)
• Stable Internet connection for uninterrupted calls
• Camera and microphone for the video conference

The legal validity of online settlements is fully guaranteed.

Yes, equal rights for all parties to the proceedings is a basic principle of out-of-court dispute resolution at CenaCom:

• Equal speaking time and presentation opportunities for all parties
• Neutral conduct of negotiations by our impartial mediators/arbitrators
• Equal right to inspect files and access documents
• No preference based on procedural experience or legal assistance
• Voluntary participation without compulsion to specific solutions

As a state-recognized dispute resolution body, CenaCom guarantees a fair and transparent procedure in accordance with the standards of the Mediation Act and the Rules of Procedure.

In addition to the basic fees for the conciliation proceedings (see also our schedule of costs), the following additional costs may arise:

• Expert costs: For technical disputes (by agreement)
• Interpreter costs: For foreign-language participants
• Travel costs: For on-site negotiations
• Additional hearing dates: From the second date
• Copying and postage costs: For extensive documentation

All additional costs are communicated transparently in advance and require the consent of the parties involved. CenaCom will provide a detailed cost estimate for more complex procedures on request.

The application fee at CenaCom is generally paid by the applicant. In the event of an agreement, the costs can be divided between the parties in a settlement:

• Successful settlement: Distribution of costs as agreed by the parties
• No agreement: Each party bears its own legal costs
• Attorney’s fees: Each party bears its own attorney’s fees
• Additional costs: Expert costs are shared according to the polluter-pays principle or cost allocation as agreed by the parties

Our scale of fees is based on the German Lawyers’ Fees Act (RVG) and is significantly cheaper than court costs. The exact costs depend on the value of the dispute.