If you have a dispute with another person, you may consider mediation instead of civil litigation. Mediation is a quicker and cost-effective way to resolve contract, real estate, employment, and housing disputes, avoiding a lengthy court process. Mediation is voluntary, with either side able to withdraw at any time or if an agreement cannot be reached. If you are interested in learning more about alternative dispute resolutions, you should speak with Chambersburg mediation attorney Matt Fogal.
What is Mediation?
Mediation is the process by which a neutral third party (the mediator) sits down with two parties who have a legal dispute. The mediator will attempt to facilitate a conversation between the parties to resolve the dispute without going to court. Both parties may terminate their participation at any time.
Benefits of Civil Mediation
Mediation has many benefits, some of which include:
- Allowing the parties to have an open dialogue concerning their dispute;
- Helping to resolve disputes quickly;
- Saving the parties the time and anxiety of going to court;
- Allowing the parties to maintain control over their settlement agreement, instead of having the case decided by a judge;
- Allowing both parties to arrive at creative settlements, not being bound by remedies available under state or federal law;
- Convenient, since virtual mediation is available to parties who cannot travel or wish not to travel; and
- Significantly less expensive than litigation, due to lower hourly attorney fees and a streamlined process.
What Areas of Law Can a Mediator Help With?
A mediator is someone who is trained in problem-solving, helping to open the lines of communication between you and an adverse party. In Pennsylvania, mediators may help with any of the following areas of law:
- Contract disputes: May include disputes related to non-compete agreements, breach of contract, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), sales of goods contracts, and tortious interference.
- Property disputes: May include real estate, adverse possession, easements, boundary lines, and title defects.
- Minor business disputes: May include disagreements over contract terms, intellectual property, or breaches of fiduciary duties.
- Personal injury cases: Including claims related to motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, and pedestrian accidents.
- Family law cases: Issues surrounding divorce, property division, child custody and parenting time, child support, and alimony/spousal support.
- Consumer complaints: Including defective products, deceptive advertising, and businesses that have participated in Unfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices.
- Employment disputes: May include unfair labor practices, discrimination, retaliation, wage violations, and failure to comply with workplace safety laws.
Speak with a Chambersburg, PA, Mediation Lawyer Today
If you want to resolve your legal issue efficiently and cost-effectively, consider mediation. Most people who partake in mediation feel empowered, being able to resolve their dispute without court interference. At Matt Fogal Law Office, LLC, your attorney has completed certified mediation training. If you are interested in discussing alternative dispute resolution, please feel free to send a message or call (717) 868-8151.