Ministry of Justice, Finland

One of the parties to a dispute or both parties together may request initiation of mediation. Mediation in a dispute usually takes place at the District Court of the domicile of one of the parties involved.

Mediation in a dispute may be request already before a trial. The party who is interested in mediation shall file an application for that with the court. The application may be freely formulated but should contain a short description of the dispute and the parties involved and the applicant’s view of chances to solve the dispute by mediation. The application shall further contain both the applicant’s and the opponent’s contact information.

The parties to a dispute may request mediation in a case already subject to legal proceedings before the court. In such a case, no specific application is needed. In addition, the court may suggest mediation in a pending case.