Mediation is often helpful in situations where parties have an ongoing relationship. If all disputing parties agree to mediation, the parties should contact a mediation provider, such as the American Arbitration Association. Some state and local bar associations also offer mediation programs. The association or mediation provider may appoint a mediator, provide rules for the mediation, and set up a date and time for a meeting. In general, mediation is less costly and faster than arbitration or litigation.
Arbitration is another alternative to lawsuits.
There are binding arbitration procedures where the arbitration decision is final and not appealable. By contrast, non-binding arbitration can be appealed. In other words, a dissatisfied party can reject the arbitration award and initiate or continue with litigation in the courts. Some courts mandate arbitration in certain cases. Such mandated arbitration is usually non-binding unless the parties themselves agree to be bound by the result in advance.