Peacefully Resolving Disputes Through Careful Mediation
Not every conflict can be resolved without outside intervention. However, going to court may not be the most advantageous or cost-effective strategy. Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) that can help you avoid the expenses and headaches associated with litigation.
At Kuebler and Associates, PLLC, in Chattanooga, we offer mediation services to individuals and businesses throughout the state. Our attorney, Michael Kuebler, is a Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 31-listed Civil Mediator. This means that he has undergone comprehensive training with a mediation professional and is bound by a vigorous set of ethical rules. No matter the nature of your conflict, he will facilitate a productive environment where all parties can have their say and hopefully negotiate an agreeable resolution.
What Is Mediation?
Mediation is an alternative to litigating a dispute in civil court. Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 31 defines mediation as “an informal process through which a neutral person conducts discussions among disputing parties designed to enable them to reach a mutually acceptable agreement among themselves on all or any part of the issues in dispute” (Section 2(i)). Put more simply, mediation is a tool that can help two or more parties work through a conflict with the help of a trained neutral party. The goal is to resolve some or all areas of a dispute without having to go to court.
In mediation, all parties will have an opportunity to make their case and discuss the issues at hand. The mediator will listen, encourage communication, and deescalate arguments. The mediator must also remain neutral throughout the mediation process and is forbidden from taking sides, twisting arms or attempting to persuade any one party. When serving as a mediator, attorney Kuebler will work closely with each party to understand their concerns and goals. He will then leverage his training to help all parties identify potential solutions. At the conclusion of a successful mediation session, the agreement will be formalized in writing. This contract is legally binding when signed.
Why Use Mediation?
Done properly, mediation can save you time and money. It is, in many cases, an all-around better way to resolve conflicts of all scales and complexities. Mediation services are designed to settle disputes as quickly and painlessly as possible.
Advantages to mediation include:
- Cost-effectiveness. Litigation will almost always be substantially more expensive than mediation.
- Efficiency. A civil trial can last for many months or years. Mediation typically only takes days or weeks to conclude.
- Control over the outcome. Litigants lose control when a matter is decided in court, as the judge or jury will ultimately determine how the case will be resolved. In mediation, you can walk away at any time and are not obligated to agree to a proposed resolution.
Our team is committed to providing you with the services you need to efficiently resolve disputes and move forward. Though other types of conflict management may be available, Tennessee’s mediation procedures are so robust that they can (and should) be used in a majority of circumstances. If mediation is not a practical option or if mediation fails to produce a satisfactory outcome, our attorney is also prepared to represent you in civil litigation.
Explore Your Mediation Options Today
As an experienced lawyer with civil litigation experience, attorney Kuebler knows what is at stake when resolving a dispute. He understands the need to save time, money and stress by reaching a settlement through mediation. To learn more about his mediation services, call 423-822-5915 or contact our online to discuss your case.