Going to court is something everyone wants to avoid for different reasons. When it comes to spats between a business and its partners, this is all the more true.
But how can a business owner avoid taking a case to court? Is this even possible in the first place?
Mediation and arbitration
FINRA compares a few different options that allow the involved parties to avoid litigation, i.e. going to court.
Two of the most popular options include mediation and arbitration. Mediation is a good option for people in a situation where they already feel like they have a good chance at working things out on their own and simply want a little guidance. Mediators cannot make rulings on behalf of anyone and ensure that every part has their fair chance to say what they want.
On the other hand, arbitration is similar to litigation. Arbitrators can make rulings that all parties must follow, based on evidence and testimony presented by everyone involved in the case.
Reasons to avoid litigation
But why should a person avoid going to court in the first place? Simply put, it will save everyone time and money. It is also an investment in privacy, because everything that goes through the public court system will have a record that any member of the public can access.
On top of that, it is a great way to preserve business ties. These ties are the most crucial aspect of owning a business and growing a successful one. To preserve as many as possible, it is best to avoid court.