Piggy bak with money flowing out representing mediation cost vs court cost

Stop Bleeding Cash: The True Cost of Litigation vs. Mediation

When you’re facing a legal dispute, the emotional toll is heavy enough. But the financial toll can be even more devastating. Going to court is often a financial black hole, where costs can spiral out of control with no end in sight. It’s time to stop bleeding cash and consider a smarter, more affordable alternative: mediation. The High Price of …

lawyer discouraging settlement

Why Your Lawyer Might Not Want You to Mediate (and Why You Should Anyway) 

If you suggest mediation to your lawyer and been met with resistance, you’re not alone. It can be confusing. Why would a legal professional advise against a process that is often faster, cheaper, and less stressful than going to court? The answer isn’t always simple, but it’s important to understand the dynamics at play. It’s rarely about malice; it’s often …

a business mediation session in a small office with no windows, sleek furniture and a white table with black chairs.

Why Business Mediation Is the Smart Alternative to Litigation

Every successful business encounters conflict. Contract disputes, partnership disagreements, or employment issues can stall momentum and damage reputations. When tensions rise, many assume the courtroom is the only path forward—but in reality, that’s often the most costly and damaging route. At Alternative Law, we help companies nationwide avoid litigation through a faster, fairer, and more efficient process: business mediation. The True Cost …

Sibling Rivalry in the Family Business: How Mediation Creates a Fair Succession Plan

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 …

Mediation vs. Litigation: Which is Right for Your Family Business Dispute?

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 …

family business succession mediation

Family Business Succession Planning: Avoid Costly Court Battles with Mediation

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 …

what to expect in mediation

How Does Family Business Mediation Work? A Step-by-Step Guide

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 …

Siblings in business

Can Mediation Help When Siblings Disagree About the Family Business?

Why do siblings clash in business? Family businesses often mix the past, competition, control, personal history with the future and professional decisions. That’s a recipe for sibling conflict in a family business setting. Sibling conflict can arise when you have different work styles, expectations, or opinions on how the business should run—or who should run it. Common sibling conflicts include: …

Mediator helping business partners in early-stage conflict resolution

When Should You Bring in a Mediator for a Business Dispute?

Is your business conflict getting worse, not better? Disagreements happen—but if they keep escalating or affect operations, it may be time to get outside help. Knowing when to use mediation can prevent issues from worsening. Waiting too long can make the problem harder (and more expensive) to fix. Top signs you should consider mediation: Why early mediation works better: What’s …