Building strong business relationships may be one of the most important steps toward building a successful company. But rapport built over time can unravel quickly when disagreements arise. How you handle those disputes can go a long way toward rebuilding and retaining business relationships. You might consider using mediation as a kinder, gentler way of dispute resolution.
There are Several Ways to Settle Legal Disagreements
You might reach an understanding by simply negotiating with the other party. However, whether this works or not may depend on how far your dispute has gone. When the situation has become too heated, you may need to file a lawsuit. Before or after suing the other party, you might also try mediation.
When the Goal is Retaining Business Relationships, Should You Choose Mediation or Trial?
A type of alternative dispute resolution, mediation is handled differently than trials or arbitration. The parties who are at odds and their attorneys meet with a mediator. The mediation session is less formal than a trial with fewer rules.
- Typically, the parties meet in a group session, state what they relief they are seeking, then move to separate rooms.
- The mediator then travels between the groups guiding the parties toward settlement.
- The parties are not required to settle, and the mediator does not order them to do so.
Because the parties work together to find a solution, there may be a greater chance of retaining business relationships that continue for years.
Lawsuits that go to trial, on the other hand, might be more contentious. Rather than reaching an agreement together, the parties are positioned more like adversaries. This is especially true if the case goes to trial:
- Court orders may irritate parties on both sides, and
- A jury verdict may leave one or both parties feeling unsatisfied.
Even if the case settles, retaining business relationships may be unlikely as barriers between the parties remain.
Learn More About Retaining Business Relationships Through Mediation
When a legal disagreement arises, you need legal advice from an experienced Florida business lawyer.
Attorney Richard Sierra at the Florida Small Business Center assists clients like you with business and litigation matters. As always, Our Goal Is to Help You Succeed™. For an appointment, you may call us at 1-866-842-5202 or use the contact form on our website. We represent clients throughout the State of Florida, including Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Pompano Beach, Sunrise, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Deerfield Beach, Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Orlando, Naples, Fort Myers, Sarasota, Tampa, and surrounding communities.