Mediation & Arbitration

Birmingham Mediation and Arbitration Lawyers

Mediation and arbitration are forms of alternative dispute resolution that have been gaining in popularity in recent years. As the terms suggest, mediation and arbitration are collaborative and non-combative approaches to legal problem solving.

Generally, both mediation and arbitration are less time consuming and, therefore, less costly than traditional approaches to dispute resolution, especially litigation. At Key, Greer, Harrison, & Casey, our Birmingham mediation and arbitration attorneys are prepared to represent your interests in all stages of your case and will work with you to determine the best strategy for your situation.

Is Mediation or Arbitration Right for You?

In mediation, the parties work together to negotiate a solution to their legal issue. A neutral third party serves as a mediator to:

• Encourage both parties to develop a realistic sense of their case
• Clarify the distance between the opposing parties
• Bridge the gap between the opposing parties

Normally, according to National Center for State Courts (NCSC), it takes more than one session to reach a successful settlement. Nevertheless, the advantages of mediation are clear. Among the benefits, NCSC notes that cases settle much faster with mediation — generally within 90 days. Furthermore, NCSC reports at least two-thirds of the attorneys who have participated in mediation approve of the process.

Arbitration can be described as a less adversarial version of trial. Each party and his or her attorney present the case from their perspective. A neutral arbitrator then makes the decision on the parties’ behalf. The decision may be binding, or if it is unbinding, the parties can decide to take the matter to court.

Appellate Mediation

Mediation at the appellate level has been available in Alabama since 2004. All civil law matters — ranging from divorce to personal injury and probate actions — are eligible for appellate mediation in Alabama.

Contact Our Pelham Family and Divorce Mediation Attorneys ·

If you are considering using family mediation, divorce mediation or other private mediation to resolve a legal issue, please contact the law offices of Key, Greer, Harrison, & Casey or call our office at 205-987-2211 for additional information.