The alternative methods for resolving disputes (mediation and arbitration) and attaining an out-of-court agreement are a desirable result of a dispute, in contrast to the judicial process (proceeding), which often continues for several years and usually does not express the will of either of the parties involved.

We prefer these methods for resolving disputes and use them to achieve the result desired by the client in the spirit of correctness and good will.

The alternative methods for resolving disputes represent a wide group of possibilities which are an alternative to the judicial process. They have the following characteristics:

- the voluntary choice of a concrete procedure, with the real possibility for the parties involved to maintain their good personal and business relations

- strict retention of confidentiality – the proceeding is neither open nor public

- less time consuming

- could be a part of a contract or be applied under agreement by the parties

- the parties and their representatives participate in the procedure together

Through arbitration both parties avoid the competence of the regular state courts and entrust the dispute to a non-state judicial authority they rely on - to arbitrators with special knowledge that common judges do not always possess. The parties participate in the establishment of the decisive authority through the choice of arbitrators. Arbitration decisions are definitive, are subject to voluntary execution and are notable with stability, due to the fact that they can only be attacked by claim.

Mediation is a process in which communication between the parties is informal and completely based on voluntary principle, and usually ends with an agreement chosen by the parties, without limitations on the form. The parties do not entrust the outcome of the dispute to a third party but hold the negotiations independently, with the maximum assistance of licensed mediators. Agreements reached through mediation are also notable with stability because they have the characteristic of jointly accepted decisions. (old translation: decisions admitted by common assent?)

In both proceedings resolving the dispute becomes a simpler procedure, well-known by both parties in advance. They may change and adapt to the peculiarities of the dispute.

The partner-founder Ivanka Emilova Georgieva is registered in the Register of Ministry of Justice under № 20060414003 since 14.04.2006 on the grounds of article 8 of the Law on Mediation.

Legal basis:

• Law on Mediation;
• Law on the International Trade Arbitration
• Statute and Regulations of the Arbitration Court to Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry