By: Matthew H. Fry, Esquire
At times in everyone’s life there will be disputes either with family, neighbors, or business associates where you just cannot see eye-to-eye on. When it involves substantial money, rights or property, you may think that a lawsuit is the only answer. But there could be a much more efficient and less expensive alternative that could get your dispute resolved: mediation.
Mediation is currently used to resolve disputes involving real estate purchases, divorce and child custody disputes, employment disputes, and disagreements in business. As a voluntary process with minimal cost, it can be an ideal way to resolve disputes without paying the high costs of filing a lawsuit.
Mediation involves retaining third person, usually an experienced mediator, to step in as neutral party to assist in finding a solution to a dispute. While mediators are typically attorneys, they can be anyone with experience mediating a dispute. The mediator is not there to take sides or force anyone to resolve the dispute. Rather, mediation is voluntary, and any agreement reached must be agreed to be all persons involved. The mediator will generally explain the process and what could happen if the case were to go to litigation, but the mediator is not your lawyer and cannot give you legal advice. The mediator does not force any party to make an agreement, and any party may choose to walk away. Remember, the mediator’s job is to assist the parties in resolving their issues. However, if the parties truly want to have a dispute resolved without extensive time and costs involved, mediation should be explored or used when possible.
If you have a marital or child custody dispute, a disagreement concerning a shared driveway or property line with your neighbor, an issue with the purchase of a home or other real estate, or a problem with an employment or business transaction, mediation may be the faster and less costly way to resolve that dispute.
The attorneys at the Law Firm of DiOrio & Sereni, LLP have extensive experience in both mediating disputes and representing clients in mediations. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment to see an attorney, please contact Matthew Fry, Esquire at DiOrio & Sereni, LLP at 610-565-5700 or email at [email protected].
The Law Firm of DiOrio & Sereni, LLP is a full-service law firm in Media, Delaware County, Pennsylvania. We strive to help people, businesses and institutions throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania solve legal problems – and even prevent legal problems before they occur. To learn more about the full range of our specific practice areas, please visit www.dioriosereni.com.
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