Going to court in Spain? Complete MASC mediation before filing
Since 2025, many civil and commercial claims require a documented MASC attempt before court. Mediation is one of the clearest ways to prove that step, reduce risk and try to resolve the dispute before filing.
Mediator registered in the Ministry of Justice Register of Mediators · Professional liability insurance · Service in Russian, Spanish, English, French, Romanian, Portuguese, Moroccan Arabic, Ukrainian, Polish, Dutch and German
Since April 2025, many claims require a documented attempt before court
Ley Orgánica 1/2025 on the efficiency of the Public Justice Service introduced the MASC (Appropriate Means of Dispute Resolution). To file many civil and commercial claims, going straight to court is no longer enough: first you must show that you tried to resolve the conflict through a route such as mediation. If you do not, your claim may be declared inadmissible, and the judge may take your refusal into account when allocating costs.
MASC is now a procedural filter for many disputes. Mediation is one practical way to satisfy it without turning the conflict into a full lawsuit immediately.Does your case need a MASC? Ask us →
What is mediation and why does it suit you?
Mediation is a voluntary process in which a neutral mediator helps both parties reach an agreement by themselves. The mediator does not judge or impose: they facilitate the dialogue so that you decide the solution.
Faster
Weeks, not years. You avoid the backlog of the courts.
More affordable
A fraction of the cost of a long lawsuit with lawyers and court agents.
Confidential
What is discussed in mediation stays in the room and is not used in a later trial.
You decide
The agreement is built by the parties. It is not imposed on you by a third party.
And the agreement is not just paper: raised to a public deed or judicially approved, it is enforceable, just like a court judgment.
We mediate in four areas
We are registered in the Ministry of Justice Register for family, civil, general and commercial mediation. Choose your situation:
Family mediation
Agreements that do not break the family from the inside.
- Divorce and separation
- Custody and visitation arrangements
- Child support payments
- Inheritance and division of assets
- Conflicts in the family business
Written by Iván Pustovalov, mediator entered in the register of Spain’s Ministry of Justice · Change history
- Credential claims sourced: registry entry and the norm behind them now linked.
- Page published.
This guide is general information about Spanish law, not a legal opinion on your case. Rules change and outcomes depend on your own facts and documents — check your situation before you act on it.
Civil mediation
Settle without suing your neighbour, landlord or debtor.
- Disputes between neighbours and homeowner communities
- Tenancies: unpaid rent, damage, deposit
- Breach of contract between individuals
- Debt claims
- Boundary and property disputes
Commercial mediation
Protect the business and the commercial relationship at once.
- Disputes between companies or with suppliers and clients
- Unpaid invoices between businesses (B2B)
- Conflicts between partners
- Breach of commercial contracts
- Disagreements within companies
General and community mediation
Your case does not fit a single box? Let us talk anyway.
- Community and neighbourhood conflicts
- Intercultural situations
- Organisational or group conflicts
- Cases that do not fit a strict category
How it works, step by step
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01
Tell us about your case
An initial assessment (you can start with our AI assistant, 24/7). We tell you whether mediation fits and what to expect.
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02
We propose mediation to the other party
Mediation needs a “yes” from both parties. We help you formally invite the other party and explain the advantages.
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03
Mediation sessions
In person or online. The neutral mediator guides the dialogue towards an agreement that works for both.
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04
An agreement with legal force
If you reach an agreement, it is documented. Raised to a public deed or approved by the judge, it is enforceable.
Mediation versus court
Why mediate with RightNOW
Official mediator
Ivan Pustovalov is entered in Section 1 of the Register of Mediators and Mediation Institutions of the Ministry of Justice — the section that art. 13 RD 980/2013 reserves for mediators themselves. The public entry lists four specialities — general, civil, commercial and family mediation — and the geographic scope: all of Spain. Open the entry in the official register →
Insured
Art. 11.3 of Ley 5/2012 requires a mediator working in the civil and commercial field that law governs to hold liability insurance or an equivalent guarantee. Family disputes fall inside that field as far as they concern rights the parties may freely dispose of, which is the condition art. 2.1 sets; criminal, labour and public-administration mediation sit outside the law altogether (art. 2.2). Our cover is Markel, €700,000. The register publishes no policies, so that figure is our own statement, not something the entry above proves; the certificate is available on request.
Multilingual
Service in Russian, Spanish, English, French, Romanian, Portuguese, Moroccan Arabic, Ukrainian, Polish, Dutch and German. No language barriers.
With AI support
A fast initial assessment with our assistant, available 24/7, before you speak to a person.
Do not take our word for it. You can search the Ministry of Justice register yourself by surname, and read Real Decreto 980/2013 — the act that created that register and defines what an entry in it means.
Frequently asked questions
Is mediation mandatory?
Since 2025, for many civil and commercial claims you must show a prior attempt to resolve the conflict through a MASC, such as mediation. It does not force you to reach an agreement, but it does require you to try. In family and other matters it is also strongly recommended.
Is the agreement binding on the parties?
Yes. Once signed and raised to a public deed or judicially approved, the agreement is enforceable, like a court judgment.
How much does it cost?
Much less than a lawsuit. The cost depends on the type of conflict and the number of sessions. We give you a clear quote before we start.
How long does it take?
Usually a few sessions over a few weeks, compared with the months or years of a lawsuit.
What if the other party does not want to mediate?
Mediation is voluntary. If the other party refuses, you will still have met the attempt required by law and can go to court. We help you document that attempt.
In which languages do you offer the service?
Russian, Spanish, English, French, Romanian, Portuguese, Moroccan Arabic, Ukrainian, Polish, Dutch and German — 11 in all.
Take the first step today
Tell us what happened. In minutes we tell you whether mediation is your best route — and how to start.
Check your case for freeNeed everyday protection, not just a one-off check?
Included: checks of Spanish documents, letters, requests and contracts before signing, Action Plans, consultation and sending your claims by burofax.