Dispute Resolution Lawyer In Cedar Rapids

Often times, a judge will decide that a conflict is best settled outside the court. In these cases, dispute resolutions take place with the help of a mediator or other type of official. Dispute resolutions are an alternative to court proceedings and are typically cheaper and faster than a usual court case. Cedar Rapids dispute resolution lawyers understand that the process may seem complicated for businesses that are directed to use dispute resolution. Yet, with the help of a lawyer, your issue can be efficiently resolved so your company can return to business.

The lawyers at Arenson Law Group, PC, in Cedar Rapids are ready to help clients in need of dispute resolution. An attorney can be helpful in your dispute resolution by acting as an advocate for your legal rights and interests. Our lawyers have years of experience helping Cedar Rapids businesses through dispute resolutions and are prepared to handle your case.

Types of Dispute Resolution Processes

Dispute resolution processes come in many forms. The type of dispute resolution process you participate in will depend upon the judge’s determination and the decision you and the other party both agree on. Some of the common types of dispute resolution processes in Cedar Rapids include:

• Arbitration
• Facilitation
• Mediation
• Negotiation
• Settlement conferences

Depending on the dispute resolution process you are involved in, the strategy of our Cedar Rapids attorneys will change. Our primary focus during any dispute resolution is the best interest of our clients.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dispute Resolution

Dispute resolution can be a confusing process. Some of the most common questions we hear at our office are listed below. If you have a question about your specific circumstances, please do not hesitate to contact us at (319) 363-8199.

What are the differences between facilitation, mediation, and arbitration?

Negotiation is at the root of facilitation and mediation. In mediation, a neutral third party helps the parties come to a solution that is mutually agreeable. It is an informal process and can be more concerned with practical solutions rather than entrenched litigation positions. Parties discuss their respective positions and try to see where there is room to move closer to something everyone can accept. Facilitation is similar in that a neutral third party helps groups achieve their goals by acting as a leader and providing expertise.

Arbitration is somewhat more formal than mediation but less formal than litigation. An arbitrator or a panel of arbitrators will listen to the positions of the parties and come to a decision as to how to best resolve the case. This outcome is binding on the parties. Each of these methods is an alternative to litigation and can be cost-saving. This is especially true when, for instance, negotiation of some type is completed toward the beginning of a matter rather than going through costly rounds of litigation.

Is mediation confidential?

Yes. The things you discuss in mediation are private and not permitted to be discussed outside of mediation without your consent. This usually means that negotiation discussions in mediation cannot be used in court. This is particularly important when it comes to the numbers that may be discussed for settlement purposes during a mediation session.

What if mediation does not resolve a dispute?

Mediation can be one of the early steps you take to resolve a dispute. If mediation does not result in a settlement, not much has been lost in terms of cost because it is not nearly as expensive as litigation. Plus, you retain alternative options in that you are free to continue to seek resolution through traditional litigation.

Is arbitrating a dispute desirable?

There are downsides to arbitration, in the sense that it does not have the same structure as the typical litigation process. Some individuals are wary of arbitration because it may seem as if some arbitration decisions are more subjective than litigation. However, arbitration provides some significant benefits in the following ways:

• Arbitration saves time: The schedule to proceed through arbitration involves much shorter time frames than typical litigation.
• Arbitration is flexible: Arbitration provisions in a contract can be tailored to your specific needs before a dispute even arises.
• Arbitration saves money: Largely because of the shorter schedule in arbitration, expensive litigation can be avoided with this alternative.

Whether any party must go to arbitration is typically decided by whether the party signed a contract requiring that a claim be arbitrated. If so, a court may be asked to decide the scope of the arbitration provision in the contract. If you have any concerns regarding arbitration language in a contract, the attorneys at Arenson Law Group, PC are prepared to help address your questions.

Consult a Dispute Resolution Lawyer in Cedar Rapids

If you have been ordered to go through a dispute resolution processes, the lawyers at Arenson Law Group, PC, are ready to represent your legal rights and interests. Our legal team understands the benefits that dispute resolutions offer clients, and our lawyers will work tirelessly for our clients’ interests throughout this legal process. Call (319) 363-8199 today to speak with a dispute resolution lawyer in Cedar Rapids and discuss your situation.

Written by James H. Arenson