Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods such as mediation and arbitration are designed to reduce the likelihood of a lawsuit and its associated risks. Dispute resolution methods such as mediation and arbitration are both non-public. In contrast to judicial proceedings, these cases are not made public. One or both of the parties involved in the disagreement may greatly value this level of secrecy. When a disagreement is settled by mediation or arbitration, the parties have the option of establishing their own ground rules, such as what evidence can be given, what kinds of experts can be consulted, and what concepts will be used to make the final judgment or agreement, as well.
Mediation is a less formal method of resolving a disagreement than arbitration. A mediator is an impartial third party who assists the disputing parties in negotiating a settlement. The mediator’s role is not to make or enforce any decisions on the parties in mediation; rather, the parties themselves are responsible for reaching an agreement. Listening carefully to all sides, the mediator offers advice that is meant to help the parties come to an agreement. Mediation has the advantage of increasing the likelihood of the solution being implemented because it involves both parties in settling the conflict. If the parties are unable to reach an agreement through mediation, they will very certainly wind up in court.
Disputes can be resolved through arbitration, which is a more official process. Formal standards of process are generally followed in arbitration, and the arbitrator may have legal experience that a mediator lacks. It is important that the arbitrator has some knowledge of the subject matter of the dispute. The arbitrator or the process by which he or she is chosen should be agreed upon by the parties. The arbitrator, as opposed to a mediator, has the power to impose his or her will on the parties involved. Listening to all sides and then making a mutually binding ruling is the arbitrator’s role. Rather of having to go to court over disagreements between the parties, the arbitrator’s decisions are final and legally binding. It’s possible that one or both parties will be less satisfied with the outcome.
Both methods have their positive and negative aspects. Both have advantages over a trial in terms of cost and time savings, as well as greater certainty in the outcome. These are crucial concerns for a small business owner. The use of mediation and arbitration may also have drawbacks. Parties cannot rely on legal precedent to determine the outcome of these alternative procedures because precedent is not required to be followed in reaching a conclusion. Additionally, the parties may struggle to find a mediator or arbitrator they can truly trust to be impartial.
Professionals like Montgomery AL car accident lawyers will always advise you in regards to what the best option is in your case. Never blindly trust the attorney who does not explain why you should choose one of the options. In many cases, one is better because you get a better outcome, which is exactly what you want to see at the end of the day.
