Browsing Archive: August, 2017

Causes of disagreements at work

Posted by Stephen Wood on Monday, August 28, 2017, In : Causes of conflict at work 
Common causes of disagreements at work include:
  • Unclear job roles
  • Insufficient training
  • Poor management
  • Poor communications
  • Poor work environment
  • Unfair treatment
  • Bullying and harassment
  • Lack of equal opportunities
ACAS identified the above factors in 'Managing Conflict at Work'.  Some of these issues can by the direct cause of the conflict, for instance discrimination and bullying may be the direct causes in themselves.  Sometimes however the causes of conflict may suddenly flare-up after remaining d...

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Mediation of probate, wills and inheritance disputes in London

Posted by Stephen Wood on Monday, August 28, 2017, In : Probate mediation London 
Many different types of dispute can arise out of a deceased's estate.  These can include disputes concerning:
  1. Lack of testamentary capacity;
  2. Lack of due execution;
  3. Undue influence;
  4. Construction or interpretation of a Will;
  5. A failure to make adequate financial provision (pursued under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975); and
  6. Disputes during the administration of estates.
Mediation is ideally suited to resolving such probate, wills and inheritance disputes in London.  Famil...

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Mediation of Probate Disputes in London

Posted by Stephen Wood on Saturday, August 26, 2017, In : Probate mediation London 
Many different types of contentious probate disputes can arise.  These can include disputes concerning:
  • A failure to make adequate financial provision (pursued under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975);
  • Lack of testamentary capacity;
  • Lack of knowledge and approval;
  • Lack of due execution;
  • Undue influence;
  • Fraud and forgery;
  • Revocation;
  • Construction or interpretation of a Will; and
  • Disputes during the administration of estates.
Mediation is ideally suited to resolving contenti...

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What is 'Commercial Reality'?

Posted by Stephen Wood on Sunday, August 20, 2017, In : Commercial Reality 
As a civil and commercial reality, and also as a dispute resolution solicitor, I often discuss the phrase 'the commercial reality' with users of mediation and my legal clients.  When emotions run high, asking a party about the commercial reality can often bring their focus back onto settlement, as they consider the inherent risks of litigation, and the costs of wasted energy, anxiety, time and money.
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Getting Past No

Posted by Stephen Wood on Sunday, August 13, 2017, In : Getting past no 
"Diplomacy is the art of letting someone else have your way" - Daniele Vare, Italian diplomat.

So starts William Ury's book 'Getting Past No', the sequel to the bestseller, 'Getting to Yes'.

'Getting Past No' addresses the thorny aspect of dealing with people who won't deal.  It is a useful book for mediators, negotiators, dispute resolution lawyers and parties involved in litigation.  Ury sets out a 5-step approach to change the game from face-to-face confrontation to side-by-side problem-solv...

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About Me


Stephen Wood is an ADR Group Accredited Civil & Commercial Mediator, an ADR Group Accredited Workplace Mediator, an ADR Group Accredited Online Mediator and a Consultant Litigation Solicitor. In 2017 Stephen was appointed to the Panel of Chairs of the Valuation Tribunal of England. In 2023 Stephen was appointed a Family Court Magistrate in Leicestershire. Stephen has undertaken over 100 paid mediations.