Here are some reasons you may want to choose mediation for your dispute.
1. It’s less expensive.
Litigation is often incredibly expensive. In some cases, the costs of the litigation process can exceed the benefits. You would probably rather spend your money on solving the problem, repairing damages, or dealing with matters that aren’t directly related to your legal case.
2. It’s faster.
Compared to litigation, mediation usually resolves the issue very quickly. It’s not uncommon for years to pass before a case gets resolved through the trial process. In contrast, many people can reach a mediated agreement in sessions over a few weeks or even hours.
3. It’s confidential.
Court cases usually become part of the public record. Outside of rare situations where the court orders the records sealed, anything said in court is no longer private.
Mediations, on the other hand, are usually confidential. It is easier to keep any personal details that come up during the discussion private.
4. It gives you more control over the outcome.
In mediation, the people who have the conflict are the ones who come up with the final agreement. Unlike a judge during litigation, the mediator doesn’t make the decisions, just facilitates the discussion.
You can make your own choices and navigate complicated tradeoffs the way you prefer rather than “taking your chances” with what a judge might decide.
5. It’s easy to do virtually.
Mediation can be a fully virtual process with video conferencing software like Zoom, Google Meet, or Skype. The parties and mediator can use the breakout room feature to have private conversations as needed, and some systems also allow for easy and secure document sharing.
Many courts also allow virtual appearances during litigation, but that may not be an option for you, depending on the court and your case. If you choose mediation with a professional who offers virtual sessions, you don’t need to worry about traveling — you just need access to high-speed internet or a phone with good service.
6. It’s more collaborative.
Mediation is a much less combative process than litigation. It encourages everyone involved to view the dispute as a solvable problem and look for solutions that satisfy both parties’ unique needs. That usually makes it a better choice for parties who need to continue dealing with each other, such as divorcing parents, neighbors, employees who have disputes with their supervisors, and business partners.
With mediation, you won’t be tearing down each other’s reputations in public. Instead, you can look to the future as you discuss your legal and personal issues.
7. There’s a high success rate.
According to the American Bar Association, mediations end in an agreement 70 to 80% of the time and have high compliance rates. That’s because mediation participants are actively involved in the settlement process, which often makes them more committed to upholding the final settlement and more satisfied in the end.
Like court cases, mediation agreements can be legally binding. While the parties must sign the resulting agreement voluntarily, it will become legally binding after they do so and after the court approves the agreement.
Need a Mediator in Snohomish County?
The Anderson Hunter Law Firm has been helping western Washington residents with their legal needs for over 100 years. We have several trained mediators on staff who can help you resolve your dispute, as well as lawyers who can advise you throughout the process.
Some of our legal specialties include:
- Business and commercial law
- Employment law
- Estate and probate law
- Family law
- Insurance law
- Municipal law
- Personal injury law
- Real estate law
Contact us today to schedule a mediation session or consultation.