When legal disputes arise, many individuals see litigation as the only answer to their problems. Rather, litigation, and eventually, trial are only one of several options for resolving a dispute. Litigation and especially trial, comes with a high cost as legal fees are often paid by the hour and add up quickly. Trial is time consuming and often quite risky. Alternative means of dispute resolution, specifically mediation, can offer a more efficient solution to legal issues.
Benefits of mediation include:
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- Less expensive: Fewer lawyer hours and less court time means less client costs and less client time.
- Faster resolution: Courts are backlogged. Trial dates get postponed. Mediations can resolve cases in a matter of a few hours to a day, rarely taking longer than a full day except in very complicated cases.
- Less formality: Mediations are often conducted remotely or in a casual office setting, without a courtroom or a jury.
- Confidential: With specific exceptions, most court cases can be accessed through public records. Settlement discussions are always confidential. Settlements can be confidential as well.
- You have more control: The decision to resolve a dispute remains in the hands of the parties with the guidance of their lawyers. The mediator’s role is to remain impartial and find help to foster a satisfactory settlement for all parties.
- Higher settlement (and satisfaction) rates: Due to all the parties being involved in the mediation process, there are higher rates of satisfaction, along with 70%-80% of cases reaching a settlement, according to the American Bar Association.
- Healing atmosphere: The less confrontational environment of the mediation offers families, workers, neighbors the opportunity to resolve their issues and continue their relationships.
Mediation isn’t the solution for all cases, but it is likely the best answer for yours.
Call or email to schedule your mediation today. :
Attorney and Certified Mediator Jeffrey Vallens: (818) 783-5700 or (805) 230-3651 email me at:
jv@4criminaldefense.com or visit my sites for more information: