Mediation can help resolve all kinds of civil and commercial disputes and is an alternative to expensive litigation. Vale Life gets around the table with Michael Morgan of Vale Solicitors.
LET’S TALK
MEDIATION “The first thing we do, let’s kill all the lawyers.” William Shakespeare, King Henry VI, Part 2.
“Not necessarily the best idea,” says Michael Morgan, a Solicitor and Mediator practicing in the Vale of Glamorgan since 1984. “But litigation is not always the best solution to a dispute.” Michael is one of a few Solicitors in England and Wales to be Accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors as an Evaluative Civil and Commercial Mediator. In particular he deals with boundary, property and Probate disputes. Disputes can have devastating consequences on the parties involved. An argument over a tiny sliver of land, or some ancient family grudge can lead to months, if not years, of litigation with costs running to tens of thousands of pounds.
Family members and neighbours no longer speak and, in the worst cases, violence can erupt. Michael has encountered the use of shotguns, iron bars and angle grinders by disgruntled neighbours and beneficiaries.
“The Wizard would be a good mediator,” Michael adds. “He helps people find what they need rather than what they want. Basil wouldn’t make it as a mediator but I keep him in reserve to deal with the more intransigent litigants.”
Mediation offers a more civilised and less expensive solution. In a boundary dispute Michael will usually spend a day with the parties at the property. “I will get my boots dirty and take time to evaluate the parties’ position. I am not there to take sides, or judge, but with over thirty years’ experience as a property lawyer I can help them see what practical and legal solutions are available to them.”
The Fawlty’s might however call on the assistance of Michael’s colleague Liz Hunt - a Solicitor and Accredited Family Mediator. It beats ripping off a sapling and thrashing your car - that usually ends in tears.
Michael is also an actor and draws inspiration from some characters for his mediation work. He was The Wizard of Oz in Cardiff New Theatre and Basil Fawlty for two seasons at The Cardiff Open Air Theatre Festival. 96
“Over 30 years’ experience as a property lawyer.” It’s good to talk. Call Michael or Liz 01446 792 535 or 0777 180 3639 Vale Solicitors Advocates & Mediators mediation@valesolicitors.com www.valesolicitors.com