Mediation can be a useful in a variety of different circumstances. Parties to a legal dispute should be familiar with the multitude of potential benefits associated with the mediation process to help parties resolve a legal dispute.
Benefits of the mediation process
Depending on the situation and circumstances, a variety of different benefits to parties to a dispute may be available through the mediation process including:
- The mediation process is more informal than taking the dispute to court and litigating it. It is an overall less formal and more flexible approach to resolving a dispute.
- The mediation process if more confidential. None of it is public unlike a litigated court case which develops a court record.
- The mediation process is quicker and less expensive. The court process can take longer which can drive up costs. When parties are eager to resolve their dispute and move on with their lives, mediation may be an option to consider.
- The mediation process provides the parties to the dispute with greater control over the outcome of their dispute. The process facilitates negotiation so they can reach the most agreeable and favorable settlement outcome for them.
- The mediation process allows the parties to the dispute to preserve their relationships. This can be beneficial in a variety of settings, including when business relationships are concerned. The litigation process is focused on winning or losing whereas the mediation process is focused on reaching an agreement both parties can live with which can preserve working relationships.
- The mediation process can create a foundation and framework to use to resolve any disputes that occur down the road. Parties who have used mediation in the process can turn to it again for problem solving of any future disputes.
- The mediation process typically results in comprehensive and customized agreements that are particular to meeting the needs of the parties to the dispute ad resolving their concerns.
Mediation allows the parties to the dispute to be more closely involved in the cooperative process of resolving their legal dispute and to carefully focus on implementation of the agreed upon resolution. Parties facing an acrimonious legal dispute should be familiar with the possible benefits of mediation and how it can help them.
