News   /   July 9, 2013   /   

The Benefits Of Mediation Over Traditional Courtroom Proceedings

Compared to the tense nature of litigation, mediation offers a valuable tool for alternative methods of dispute resolution. Mediation involves the two disputing parties getting together and discussing the issues at hand with a trained mediator guiding them through the process. There are numerous benefits to working through mediation, and many disputing parties are able to end with satisfactory outcomes.

Avoid The Lengthy Litigation

Mediation is much more flexible than a traditional lawsuit proceeding. Since many courts are backlogged, forcing more immediate criminal issues into the schedule ahead of civil matters; it can take weeks or even months for an initial hearing in a civil case. Mediation, however, can be scheduled with much more ease, since the meeting will require setting up an agreeable time with the other party and a mediator.

Make Your Own Solution

Mediation also allows the involved parties to help contribute to their own solutions in more creative ways. Rather than the win/lose atmosphere in a courtroom, a mediation room can be an open discussion between two parties. The source of the conflict can be explored in greater detail, and parties can work together rather than duke it out in front of a judge. An experienced mediator will be trained in how to maneuver around issues with high emotional stakes, and will work carefully in choosing words and tone when addressing parties in the mediation room.

Participants are actively involved when helping to generate their own outcome. The fact that mediation is centered around a calm discussion, as opposed to a bitter battle in court, allows relationships to remain civil for the duration of the process and likely the aftermath. More often than not, parties generate more creative agreements than the kind of decisions handed down in a courtroom. For the most part, as long as parties can agree to it, the final agreement may be a variation of anything they have initially wanted or thought about.

Create Better Chances of Moving Forward

Mediation looks into the future, rather than dwelling on the actions of the past. The procedure feels less threatening and pressurized than the more formal process of the court. Mediation also allows the opportunity to think about ways to prevent problems in the future, rather than sticking band-aids on past issues of dispute between the parties. The confidential nature of mediation adds a layer of privacy for parties that don’t want their issues aired publicly.

Mediation is a helpful tool for addressing disputes that provides confidentiality, flexibility, and the opportunity to reach creative and useful outcomes.

Avoid Large Legal Bills

Mediation is a much more cost-effective means of resolving disputes. Court battles can cost individuals and businesses hundreds of thousands of dollars a year and result in loss of employee productivity as well as other large expenses. However, Mediation can achieve the same or better results with significantly less expense and time. Mediation can occur before yieldy discovery battles and courtroom hearings and without the need for expert witnesses. However, even after discovery in a case has been completed, mediation is still more cost effective than a lengthy drawn out trial and other pretrial procedural motions practice.

Contact Us Today

If you require assistance within one of our practice areas or would like to inquire about our broad-based services, please contact us.