Sovittajat

Sovittajat are mediators or conciliators who help conflicting parties reach voluntary settlements outside the formal court system. In Finnish usage, the term covers professionals who guide negotiations, clarify underlying interests, and facilitate constructive communication while maintaining neutrality and confidentiality. The aim is to produce an agreed settlement that reflects the parties’ interests rather than adjudicating a right or wrong outcome.

Sovittajat can operate in a range of settings, including civil and commercial disputes, family law, workplace conflicts, and neighborhood or consumer disagreements. They may work as court-appointed mediators, be employed by mediation organizations, or offer private mediation services. The process typically involves private sessions (caucuses) and joint meetings, helping parties identify interests, generate options, and draft a written settlement. The resulting agreement can be legally binding if the parties convert it into a contract or if the court adopts or enforces it, but mediation itself is usually a voluntary process.

Qualifications and ethics: Sovittajat typically have training in mediation, conflict resolution, or related fields, and many belong to professional associations that provide codes of conduct and ongoing education. Core principles include neutrality, confidentiality, voluntary participation, informed consent, and non-coercive facilitation. While mediators are not judges or arbitrators, certification or formal accreditation may be available in some jurisdictions, reflecting a standard of education and ethical practice.

In summary, sovittajat play a central role in structured, voluntary dispute resolution, aiming to produce durable agreements through collaborative negotiation rather than adversarial litigation.