Although litigation is sometimes unavoidable, going to court over a business dispute can be an expensive and time-consuming process. Not only that, but litigating a business dispute can be damaging to both the personal and professional relationships of the people involved, which may take a heavy toll on the business itself. To help avoid these and other potential pitfalls of litigation, people involved in disputes over business matters sometimes choose to seek a resolution through mediation, which can be an effective way to resolve business disagreements while keeping relationships intact.

Self-determined, mutually agreeable outcomes

Mediation is a method of alternative dispute resolution that happens outside the traditional courtroom setting. The process of business dispute mediation takes place in a series of meetings between the individuals involved in the dispute and a neutral party called a mediator. In many cases, the people involved in the dispute will choose to have their attorneys present during mediation as well. This allows the attorneys to advise their clients about legal matters and offer guidance throughout the mediation process as needed.

One of the most important things to understand about business dispute mediation is that it allows the people involved in a dispute to determine their own outcomes. This aspect of the mediation process sets it apart from courtroom litigation and arbitration, both of which rely on a third party to determine the final outcome.

During business mediation, the mediator does not have the power to decide how the situation will resolve, and he or she will not take sides in the dispute. Instead, the mediator acts as a facilitator for negotiations between the parties themselves and guides them through the process of reaching an agreement that is acceptable to both sides. Because no one is forced to accept a resolution that they find unsatisfactory, people often find that mediation results in more agreeable outcomes for everyone involved.

Other benefits of business mediation

Another reason that many people choose to resolve their disputes through mediation is that it can help repair and preserve the relationships between the individuals involved in the dispute. Particularly in a business setting, where it may be in everyone’s best interest to continue working together as amicably as possible, this aspect of mediation can be highly valuable.

Mediation also offers several other potential benefits for those wishing to resolve business disputes. Not only is mediation typically faster and less expensive that litigation, but it also offers a higher degree of confidentiality than going to court. Although it is not appropriate for every situation, mediation can be used to resolve a wide range of business disputes. To learn more about using mediation to resolve business disputes, contact a business law attorney with experience in mediation.