How the Dispute Calculator works
Resolve your dispute one step at a time
Middle Ground provides a structured online process that helps parties understand their disagreement, explore settlement and obtain professional assistance only when it is required.
You do not need to commit to mediation or pay an upfront registration fee.
Start
R0
Both submissions
R0
Dispute summary
R0
First response
R0
Further negotiation
R500 once-off
Settlement
From R1,500 total
Six clear stages
From first submission to a formal outcome
Begin without committing to the entire process. Costs arise only when the parties choose additional negotiation, a formal settlement agreement or mediation.
FREE
Step 1: The claimant starts the process
The person or organisation initiating the dispute creates a free account and provides:
- A description of what happened
- The people or organisations involved
- Relevant dates and events
- Supporting documents
- The claim being made
- The preferred outcome or settlement
Once submitted, the platform sends an invitation to the respondent.
FREE
Step 2: The respondent submits their response
The respondent creates a free account and provides:
- Their version of events
- Responses to the claimant’s allegations
- Supporting documents
- Any counterclaim
- Their initial settlement response or proposal
The respondent is not required to pay to participate or provide the first response.
FREE
Step 3: The Dispute Calculator structures the matter
The platform analyses and organises the parties’ submissions into a clear summary identifying:
- The background to the dispute
- Claims and counterclaims
- Facts on which the parties agree
- Facts or issues they dispute
- Documents submitted
- Outcomes being requested
- Issues that must be resolved
This focuses the parties on the actual points of disagreement rather than repeated arguments or fragmented emails and messages.
FIRST RESPONSE FREE; THEN R500 ONCE-OFF
Step 4: The parties explore settlement
The respondent’s first settlement response is free. The other party may:
- Accept the proposal
- Reject the proposal
- Request mediation
- Make a further counter-proposal
When a further counter-proposal is made, a once-off R500 engagement fee becomes payable. After payment, the parties can continue exchanging proposals without additional negotiation fees.
R1,000 PER PARTY OR R1,500 CLAIMANT-PAID
Step 5: The settlement is put in writing
When the parties agree on the settlement terms, a formal settlement agreement is prepared. Payment options are:
- R1,000 per party
- R1,500 paid by the claimant for both parties
Both parties can review and digitally sign the agreement. The signed agreement records the final terms and formally concludes the dispute.
TYPICALLY R500–R3,000+ PER PARTY
Step 6: Mediation remains available
If the parties cannot reach agreement through online negotiation, they may request mediation. An administrator appoints a suitable accredited mediator. The fee is based on:
- The mediator’s hourly rate
- The expected length of the mediation
- The parties’ equal share of the fee
Estimated fee per party: mediator’s hourly rate × estimated session hours ÷ 2. Both parties must pay before mediation proceeds.
Start without committing
Understand the disagreement before deciding on the next step.
Begin free of charge, understand both positions and choose whether to settle, continue negotiating or request professional mediation.