When Brother vs. Sister Threatens the Business: Finding Common Ground The family business was built as a team effort. But when parents step aside, that team can fracture. Old childhood dynamics resurface, and sibling rivalry—once about toys or attention—escalates into a high-stakes battle over leadership, money, and legacy. This situation often exemplifies sibling rivalry in family business settings. The question …
Your Family vs. The Courtroom: Choosing the Right Path for Your Business When a conflict over your family business’s future arises, you face a critical choice: how will you resolve it? This often involves choosing between mediation and litigation, leading to the classic debate of mediation vs litigation, two distinct approaches with profound consequences for your finances, your well-being, and …
Is Your Family’s Legacy at Risk? The Hidden Cost of Succession Disputes. For generations, your family business has been more than just a company—it’s a source of pride, identity, and financial security. But when the time comes for succession, this legacy can become a source of conflict. Disagreements over leadership, ownership, and fairness can escalate, threatening to tear the business—and …
Demystifying the Mediation Process: A Path to Peaceful Transition The decision to use mediation for your family business dispute is a smart one. But we understand that the unknown can be intimidating. You might be wondering, how does family business mediation work? What actually happens in a mediation session? How do you go from conflict to a signed agreement? At …
Creating a family business succession plan is complex, blending financial, legal, and deeply personal family dynamics. Even with the best intentions, many families fall into predictable traps that can derail the transition and cause lasting conflict. Recognizing these pitfalls is the first step toward avoiding them. At Alternative Law Mediation, we’ve seen how these challenges can impact a family. Here are five …
Is going to court really worth it in a business dispute? If you’re in a disagreement with a business partner or family member, court might feel like the only option. But it’s rarely the most effective one. The financial, emotional, and relational costs of litigation often outweigh any legal win. What are the financial costs of litigation? What’s the emotional …
Family businesses are built with dedication, vision, and years of hard work. However, without a well-planned exit strategy, all that effort can be put at risk. Whether an owner is retiring, transitioning leadership to the next generation, or selling the business, a structured exit strategy ensures continuity, protects family relationships, and preserves the company’s legacy. Here’s how to approach a …
Family businesses are the backbone of the economy, but without a clear plan, they can become vulnerable during generational transitions. Planning for succession in a family business is essential to ensure continuity, protect relationships, and maintain the company’s legacy. Here’s how to approach succession in a family business effectively. 1. Start Planning Early Succession planning should not be an afterthought …
Divorce mediation is one of the most specific areas of conflict resolution, because it involves making serious permanent changes and adjustments in one of the principal elements of our life. It requires male and female mediation specialists. Our divorce mediators have been specifically educated in divorce procedures, difficult conflicts, divorce laws, and the multiple issues that affect people on a …
When family conflicts arise, finding effective solutions can be professionally challenging and emotionally taxing. Family mediation offers a constructive approach to resolve disputes, particularly in areas like organizational change or professional and personal conflicts. Let’s explore the benefits and limitations of family business mediation and its productive role in resolving family conflicts. Mediation: A Collaborative Approach to Conflict Resolution Mediation …