Dealing with disputes is an important — if not unfortunate — task that most business owners must deal with at some point. Heading straight to court is not always the answer, though. Indeed, many business disputes can be addressed outside of Georgia’s court system through mediation.
Is mediation really worth it?
Mediation is a type of alternative dispute resolution. Alternative dispute resolution is intended to minimize the number of legal battles that go in and out of the courtroom. However, it is about much more than just freeing up the court system. There are many benefits to mediation, including:
- Confidentiality
- Greater control over the outcome
- Reduced costs
- Better scheduling opportunities
- Increased civility
Should I use mediation for my dispute?
Although mediation is a great tool, it is not necessarily effective for every dispute. Issues that are particularly complicated or involve a great deal of animosity might be better left for the more traditional court setting. Still, mediation is great for virtually every type of dispute, including disputes over:
- Contracts
- Intellectual property
- Fiduciary duty breaches
- Real estate
- Employment issues
In mediation, a neutral third party — the mediator — will help guide negotiations. The presence of a mediator does not mean that you should not have someone on your side, though. It is important for any Georgia business owner who is dealing with a business dispute via mediation to have someone who will stand up for their rights and best interests. You can learn more about this and other alternative dispute resolutions for business disputes right here on our website.
