Alternative Dispute Resolution in St. Petersburg
Posted by Evan Bassett on Fri, Nov 11, 2011
Everyone has conflict in their lives at one time or another, and sometimes these disputes reach a legal status where the courts become involved. No matter what the nature of the conflict, there are alternative dispute resolution options that can save you from the long and drawn out process of a full scale court case.
Alternative Dispute Resolution in St. Petersburg: Mediation
One of the most prevalent ways people in St. Petersburg, Florida are resolving conflict is through an alternative dispute resolution course known as mediation. A lot of people don't understand that they don't have to take a case or dispute to trial in front of a judge or jury. Legal trials can take far too long and a court isn't necessarily the best environment for either party - especially when time is of major concern.
The process of mediation involves specialized and qualified attorneys known as mediators who - rather than representing the interests of one party involved in a dispute - work as a liaison between both parties and works with each to establish a common ground to work out a resolution that is acceptable to everyone involved.
As far as alternative dispute resolution in St. Petersburg is concerned, mediation is often the quickest, and most stressfree way to go.
An Example
Consider this - you have a dispute with a St. Petersburg neighbor concerning your property and his, and you wish to get it resolved in as little time as possible so that you can both continue on with your lives. You can't ignore whatever the dispute is, because it causes you both stress and problems, but you don't have the time or financial means to spend on a lawsuit or court trial.
In this scenario, you and your neighbor could opt for the alternative dispute resolution process mentioned above. You can find a mediation attorney either through the court, or simply through looking at law firms in the St. Petersburg area who have certified mediators.
Call Bassett Law Offices today for information regarding alternative dispute resolution in St. Petersburg and learn about all of our certified mediators.
When the process begins, rather than having to commute back and forth to a series of court dates (set by the court and demanding of your time), you can begin working with a mediator who specializes in alternative dispute resolution in St. Petersburg.
There are many advantages to this type of alternative dispute resolution. For one, the mediator will work around both parties' schedules to make the process as smooth and convenient as possible. With a court case, it's one party against the other, each trying to have their demands met absolutely and the result is under the final decision of a judge or jury. With mediation, it's more of a series of meetings between the two (or more) parties where each side is presented and the mediator guides each to work towards an alternative dispute resolution that has each party's interest in mind.
Binding Arbitration?
Depending on the initial arrangement, the decision of the mediator can either be binding and legally standing, or open for review and amendment. In certain types of mediation and alternative dispute resolution, the mediator isn't even the "ultimate" decision maker, he or she can simply come up with a decision and present it to each. If either side is unsatisfied, they can reject it, and both parties still maintain a right to take the other to trial. That is one of the beautiful thins about alternative dispute resolution - the parties hold more power and can lay out the playing course as they see fit.
For more information concerning mediation and alternative dispute resolution, give us a call or shoot us an email any time. We have qualified attorneys and certified mediators on call to answer all of your questions and will offer you a free consultation on your case.