Not every dispute needs to be resolved in court. Here are some other options:
The parties, usually with the assistance of attorneys, can negotiate a private settlement agreement without any papers being filed in court.
The parties can go to mediation, in which a neutral mediator works with the parties to try to facilitate a voluntary resolution of the dispute.
In some cases, such as where a contract calls for it, the dispute can be taken to binding arbitration, in which a private arbitrator, vested with most of the powers of a court of law, hears and decides the case on a confidential basis.
These forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) each have their pros and cons. When chosen judiciously and handled properly, they can provide an efficient means of resolving a dispute. At Maxwell Goss Law, we consider all alternatives and recommend options for securing justice on your behalf in a sensible, cost-effective manner.