Not every dispute needs to end up in court. Two widely used alternatives are mediation and arbitration, and they work very differently.
Mediation
A neutral mediator helps the parties negotiate. The mediator does not impose a decision; any settlement is agreed voluntarily. It can be quick and can help preserve business relationships.
Arbitration
One or more arbitrators hear the case and issue a binding decision, usually following agreed rules. It is more formal than mediation and is common in cross-border commercial contracts.
Choosing
Consider whether you want a negotiated outcome or a binding ruling, how confidential the process should be, and what your contract already requires. This article is general information only and is not legal advice.
This article is general information only and is not legal advice. Laws change and every situation is different; please obtain advice on your specific circumstances.