Mediation ("Mahout") מהו''ת

The courts in Israel have recognized the necessity of mediation as a means for dispute resolution.  

Many judges therefore have referred conflicting parties to mediation for resolving disputes. This enables a direct and effective discussion towards resolving the conflict via a mediator.

For such purpose, the court administration established a reserve of mediators (called ”mahout – מהו”ת”).

The “Mahout” meeting (Mahout is a Hebrew acronym for Information, Introduction and Coordination)

The Mahout meeting is a preliminary Mediation meeting. The purpose is to provide the parties with information, to introduce them to the mediation process and to the possibility of resolving the dispute via the process, as an alternative to court procedures and all its consequences: time consuming, costs of hiring lawyers and other legal fees.

The “Mahout” Process

Mahout is a meeting in which the parties meet with the mediator in order to receive information, become acquainted with the mediation process, and discuss whether the conflicting parties are willing to work within a mediation process rather than going through a court procedure.

The Mediation process is mandatory for all parties. If one of the parties is absent, he/she will have to pay legal fees, as prescribed by the court. This mediation process is conducted by professional mediators, who have been approved as professionals by the court.

Information, Introduction and Coordination

The Mahout meeting takes about an hour. The Parties receive information regarding the mediation process and how the process works. The parties introduce themselves and present the conflict.

After the parties understand the workings of the mediation process and agree to undertake it, the process proceeds with the intention of arriving to an eventual agreement.

Mediation Fees

The court has established the rate of payment per hour to be paid by each party. The numbers of hours or meetings depend on individual cases and the issues involved.

Mediation meetings are confidential and discreet, and held with all parties to the conflict together, as well as with each party individually.

The mediator is committed to the principle of neutrality, which is fundamental in mediation. Parties can reach agreements in a relaxed atmosphere through negotiations with the reassurance that everything discussed is confidential. When agreement is reached, it is brought to court for approval.”