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Our Conflict Resolution Center
Our Conflict Resolution Center benefits from significant experience
with expert witness assignments and mediations.
An expert witness mission is a court-led process where the court seeks technical advice from a specialist. It is in this capacity of financial specialist that Costmasters intervenes.
A mediation is an alternative method of conflict resolution based on the goodwill of the parties, a method generally faster and less expensive. It favors win-win transactions for the benefit of all parties.
A company mediator works alongside a company board to resolve issues, often financial and sometimes one-off, that the company is experiencing with third parties.
We have been regularly appointed as expert witness for Belgian Courts since 1996, and have gained extensive experience in this discipline. Over time, our expertise has broadened. We also act as a technical advisor to defend the position of individuals or companies involved in conflicts falling within our areas of competence. Even though our assignments are essentially technical, we never forget the human factor inherent in any conflict, and we always favor an amicable resolution. Find out more below about the projects we undertake, and some of our practice areas.
Our Conflict Resolution Center
Our Conflict Resolution Center benefits from significant experience
with expert witness assignments and mediations.
An expert witness mission is a court-led process where the court seeks technical advice from a specialist. It is in this capacity of financial specialist that Costmasters intervenes.
Mediation is an alternative method of conflict resolution based on the goodwill of the parties, a method generally faster and less expensive. It favors win-win transactions for the benefit of all parties.
A company mediator works alongside a company board to resolve issues, often financial and sometimes one-off, that the company is experiencing with third parties.
We have been regularly appointed as expert witness for Belgian Courts since 1996, and have gained extensive experience in this discipline. Over time, our expertise has broadened. We also act as a technical advisor to defend the position of individuals or companies involved in conflicts falling within our areas of competence. Even though our assignments are essentially technical, we never forget the human factor inherent in any conflict, and we always favor an amicable resolution. Find out more below about the projects we undertake, and some of our practice areas.
Expert witness or mediation?
Expert witness procedure and mediation are two extreme methods used in conflict resolution. Each has its pros and cons.
Would you prefer to undertake a legal procedure or try to resolve the conflict amicably?
Working with your lawyer, we will suggest the best procedure to meet your objectives.
Expert witness
Expert witnesses are court-appointed professionals. They give an opinion on a technical question in a matter related to their field of expertise.
Mediator
Mediators are appointed by the parties. They help these parties to solve their conflict, although they do not propose a technical solution.
Technical
advisor
A technical advisor puts forward the interests of his clients and their arguments, regardless of the method adopted.
Company mediator
Company mediators are experts appointed by a court on the basis of a suggestion by the board of a company undergoing financial difficulties. Company mediators aim to reach an agreement with one or more creditors.
Legal representative
Court representatives are court-appointed professionals who replace the board of directors for a specified period of time. Court representatives endeavor to solve the principal difficulties a business faces.
Expert witness or mediation?
Expert witness procedure and mediation are two extreme methods used in conflict resolution. Each has its pros and cons.
Would you prefer to undertake a legal procedure or try to resolve the conflict amicably?
Working with your lawyer, we will suggest the best procedure to meet your objectives.
Expert witness
Expert witnesses are court-appointed professionals. They give an opinion on a technical question in a matter related to their field of expertise.
Mediator
Mediators are appointed by the parties. They help these parties to solve their conflict, although they do not propose a technical solution.
Technical
advisor
A technical advisor puts forward the interests of his clients and their arguments, regardless of the method adopted.
Company mediator
Company mediators are experts appointed by a court on the basis of a suggestion by the board of a company undergoing financial difficulties. Company mediators aim to reach an agreement with one or more creditors.
Legal representative
Court representatives are court-appointed professionals who replace the board of directors for a specified period of time. Court representatives endeavor to solve the principal difficulties a business faces.
Some examples
Our experience covers many issues, including the following:
Company valuation
When shareholders argue and separate, a reliable company valuation is essential.
Embezzlement
It is sometimes necessary to prove that an employee was dishonest with the funds of a company or a non-profit organization.
Exclusive sales agencies
According to the law of July 17, 1961, sales agents may be entitled to compensation that we are able to calculate.
Loss of income
Subsequent to a transport accident, a building claim or an operating loss, your compensation should be fully and accurately calculated.
Customer and supplier account
Sometimes suppliers and customers disagree over payment schedules, invoices, etc. We're here to help.
Public works delays
We have developed a modern and logical method for assessing the damage suffered by businesses under such circumstances.
Some examples
Our experience covers many issues, including the following:
Company valuation
When shareholders argue and separate, a reliable company valuation is essential.
Embezzlement
It is sometimes necessary to prove that an employee was dishonest with the funds of a company or a non-profit organization.
Exclusive sales agencies
According to the law of July 17, 1961, sales agents may be entitled to compensation that we are able to calculate.
Loss of income
Subsequent to a transport accident, a building claim or an operating loss, your compensation should be fully and accurately calculated.
Customer and supplier account
Sometimes suppliers and customers disagree over payment schedules, invoices, etc. We're here to help.
Public works delays
We have developed a modern and logical method for assessing the damage suffered by businesses under such circumstances.
Expert
witness
An expert witness is a person appointed by a court to give a technical opinion on a dispute between two or more parties. He listens to the positions of the disputing parties, studies their files, then makes verifications before drafting his report to the court. As far as possible, he tries to bring the parties back together.
Expert witness since 1996, Charles Markowicz is certified as member of the National Listing of Expert Witnesses. He has acquired significant experience in such assignments for various courts in Belgium. His experience covers a wide spectrum of accounting and financial issues ranging from shareholder disputes to conflicts between customers and suppliers, including compensation assessments.
He has written numerous articles and spoken at conferences about expert witness assignments in Belgium.
Technical advisor
A technical advisor is an accountant who works alongside you, possibly with the support of your lawyer, to adequately present and defend your position in a dispute. This support is often essential when facing legal experts and an opposing party whose only wish is to reduce your claims and maximize what they will obtain. Although bound to his professional code of conduct, the technical advisor is on your side and aims to defend your interests.
As an expert witness and technical advisor for many years in financial and accounting matters, we have gained extensive experience in carrying out such assignments.
Mediator
In conflict resolution, mediation is an alternative method to legal proceedings. Beyond simply resolving a difficulty linked to the past, mediation promotes the resumption of dialogue, including post resolution. Once mediation is begun it is very likely to succeed.
This alternative method is faster and cheaper than the court system, so if you think you can resolve a difficult situation through mediation, don't wait another minute!
The mediator is a neutral and independent third party brought in to help resolve a conflict. While the mediator facilitates finding an agreement in the interests of the mediated parties, he does not provide technical solutions. When working with a certified mediator, any party can have a mediation transaction authorized by a court.
Charles Markowicz is a certified mediator for civil and commercial mediations. He works exclusively in these types of missions.
Company mediator
Do not confuse mediator and company mediator (article XX.37 CDE).
While a mediator can help several parties resolve a conflict, a company mediator is appointed by the director(s) of a company to resolve a conflict with one or more third parties (shareholder, supplier, bank, etc.).
The mission of the company mediator is recognized by the commercial court, thereby conferring on it even greater legitimacy. The mission is not made public, and therefore remains confidential.
The company mediator does not replace management or the board of directors, but rather acts alongside it to help find a solution.
Legal representative
Companies may have come to a standstill because of disagreements between shareholders or directors, thereby creating the need to temporarily replace the board of directors.
A commercial court may then appoint a legal representative responsible for rotecting the company under the court's supervision.
Legal representatives are appointed for both operational and asset-holding companies.
The term of the legal representative may vary from a few months (i.e., the time needed to get the company back on track) to longer, whichever the court considers best.
In our view, the legal representative should always keep in mind the human aspects of the mission, which should focus on the long-term viability of the company.
Expert
witness
An expert witness is a person appointed by a court to give a technical opinion on a dispute between two or more parties. He listens to the positions of the disputing parties, studies their files, then makes verifications before drafting his report to the court. As far as possible, he tries to bring the parties back together.
Expert witness since 1996, Charles Markowicz is certified as member of the National Listing of Expert Witnesses. He has acquired significant experience in such assignments for various courts in Belgium. His experience covers a wide spectrum of accounting and financial issues ranging from shareholder disputes to conflicts between customers and suppliers, including compensation assessments.
He has written numerous articles and spoken at conferences about expert witness assignments in Belgium.
Technical advisor
A technical advisor is an accountant who works alongside you, possibly with the support of your lawyer, to adequately present and defend your position in a dispute. This support is often essential when facing legal experts and an opposing party whose only wish is to reduce your claims and maximize what they will obtain. Although bound to his professional code of conduct, the technical advisor is on your side and aims to defend your interests.
As an expert witness and technical advisor for many years in financial and accounting matters, we have gained extensive experience in carrying out such assignments.
Mediator
In conflict resolution, mediation is an alternative method to legal proceedings. Beyond simply resolving a difficulty linked to the past, mediation promotes the resumption of dialogue, including post resolution. Once mediation is begun it is very likely to succeed.
This alternative method is faster and cheaper than the court system, so if you think you can resolve a difficult situation through mediation, don't wait another minute!
The mediator is a neutral and independent third party brought in to help resolve a conflict. While the mediator facilitates finding an agreement in the interests of the mediated parties, he does not provide technical solutions. When working with a certified mediator, any party can have a mediation transaction authorized by a court.
Charles Markowicz is a certified mediator for civil and commercial mediations. He works exclusively in these types of missions.
Company mediator
Do not confuse mediator and company mediator (article XX.37 CDE).
While a mediator can help several parties resolve a conflict, a company mediator is appointed by the director(s) of a company to resolve a conflict with one or more third parties (shareholder, supplier, bank, etc.).
The mission of the company mediator is recognized by the commercial court, thereby conferring on it even greater legitimacy. The mission is not made public, and therefore remains confidential.
The company mediator does not replace management or the board of directors, but rather acts alongside it to help find a solution.
Legal representative
Companies may have come to a standstill because of disagreements between shareholders or directors, thereby creating the need to temporarily replace the board of directors.
A commercial court may then appoint a legal representative responsible for rotecting the company under the court's supervision.
Legal representatives are appointed for both operational and asset-holding companies.
The term of the legal representative may vary from a few months (i.e., the time needed to get the company back on track) to longer, whichever the court considers best.
In our view, the legal representative should always keep in mind the human aspects of the mission, which should focus on the long-term viability of the company.
Why choose Costmasters?
Choosing Costmasters means relying on our experience acquired through numerous missions in the areas of expert witness, legal expertise, mediation and reconciliation. With Costmasters you are partnering with a professional who upgrades his skills through frequent training courses.
Whether appointed by a court, lawyer, company or individual, we always listen carefully. Supporting and advising our clients in the best possible way is our foremost concern.
Your dispute is unique and our experience is vast. Let's talk!
Why choose Costmasters?
Choosing Costmasters means relying on our experience acquired through numerous missions in the areas of expert witness, legal expertise, mediation and reconciliation. With Costmasters you are partnering with a professional who upgrades his skills through frequent training courses.
Whether appointed by a court, lawyer, company or individual, we always listen carefully. Supporting and advising our clients in the best possible way is our foremost concern.
Your dispute is unique and our experience is vast. Let's talk!
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