Legal disputes are sometimes inevitable. If you are currently facing one – whether it’s related to your family, business, or yet another area of life – you may be thinking that the best way to protect your interests and settle your claim is to bring the dispute before the court. However, if you arrange to meet with an attorney to discuss your problem thinking that litigation is the only way to solve it, you may be surprised when the attorney suggests a much different approach, such as mediation. Mediation seeks to settle a legal dispute out of the courtroom where an independent, third-party mediator helps the parties find common ground, solve the problem in a less adversarial way, and achieve a compromise that takes into consideration the interests of everyone involved.
At face value, mediation may not seem like the best way to guarantee you will achieve your goals in the dispute. However, mediation does offer some benefits over litigation. It may turn out that opting for the former over the latter will be more advantageous in your situation. In this article, we will analyze 4 benefits that mediation may provide.
Time
Dealing with a pending legal dispute can be extremely stressful. That’s why most people involved in such arguments would like to ensure their timely resolution. However, litigation is usually anything but timely. Lawsuits can drag on for months or even years. Mediation, on the other hand, can be much quicker. If both parties are willing to cooperate and have firmly decided to resolve the conflict and get on with their lives, a compromise may be worked out much sooner.
Cost
Many people who decide to file a lawsuit are surprised at how costly the litigation process turns out to be. You might be prepared for the cost of an attorney, but that’s hardly the only expense you will have to bear. There may be a need to hire expert witnesses; similarly, depositions for both parties entail a cost too. Time missed from work can cause other financial losses as well. Employing a third-party mediator, on the other hand, is much less costly and puts an end to the expense of litigation.
Confidentiality
If a case goes to trial, court documents become public record and any private information related to the dispute and the lives of the parties involved can be accessed by virtually everyone. Mediation, on the other hand, allows the parties involved to keep matters confidential. Even the terms of the settlement can be confidential if all parties agree.
Control
The outcome of a lawsuit can be very unpredictable. Even if you think you have a strong claim and that the evidence speaks in your favor, you must remember that the final decision will lie with a judge or with a jury. In mediation, on the other hand, both parties work together to reach the most advantageous outcome.
Facing a Legal Dispute? Contact Fraser, Wilson & Bryan, P.C.
If you’re facing a legal dispute, contact Fraser, Wilson & Bryan, P.C. to discuss the details of your situation. We offer both mediation services and legal representation in the court of law. We advise and help our clients in disputes related to family law, probate, and business law. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
