Samenvatting

The Legal Service Counter is an independent foundation providing free legal information and advice to Dutch citizens. When a client approaches the Legal Service Counter about a conflict with another party, it will inform the client about mediation. If the client is interested in mediation, three important issues will be discussed: 1. What is the status of the conflict? Has it already escalated or are the parties still on speaking terms? 2. Is negotiation possible and is the client prepared to negotiate? 3. What are the interests of both parties? If, after discussing these issues, the client is still interested in solving his conflict through mediation, the Legal Service Counter will contact the other party to discuss the situation from his point of view. When both parties agree to mediation, the Legal Service Counter will assist them in selecting a mediator. However, the intervention of the Legal Service Office as such sometimes already may suffice to improve the communication between and the ability of parties to solve their problems themselves.