We know that many legal issues can be complicated and emotionally difficult. Our experienced mediation and arbitration lawyers can work with you to secure solutions without facing a judge. We encourage alternative dispute resolution, which can be extremely beneficial in solving problems without the involvement of the courts.

If you are involved in a dispute with heirs or beneficiaries of an estate, you should strongly consider using arbitration or mediation, with legal professionals at a dispute resolution law firm, to resolve your issues. Families are too often torn apart after the death of a family member. Whether the dispute concerns (1) who should be in charge or (2) how the estate administration should proceed or (3) what each heir or beneficiary should receive, arbitration or mediation provide methods to resolve disputes.

Arbitration allows a chosen neutral (such as one of our experienced arbitration lawyers) to make decisions concerning the issues in your dispute. The arbitrator resolves the matter instead of a trial judge, but just like a court order, the arbitration award is binding on the parties. Arbitration is governed by very specific rules, and as such, an arbitration award (or order) is fully enforceable through the court system. While there is judicial oversight of the arbitration award, it is quite difficult to overturn an arbitration award. The advantage of using an arbitrator is that the parties can choose who makes the final decision in their case. The timetable for deciding the case is left to the parties instead of waiting months, if not years, for the trial court to hear your case. The disadvantage is you must pay the arbitrator for his time, whereas you do not have to pay a judge to hear your case. Arbitration is often a decision made by the parties, but sometimes arbitration is required because of a contract or other written agreement.

Mediation allows a neutral person to assist the parties in finding a resolution to their issues without the necessity of going to court and having a trial. Our mediation lawyers are experts in helping parties find common ground, and ultimately, a resolution to the case. Mediation is not binding, but most courts require mediation before the court will set the matter down for trial. A mediator requires the parties to show up and make an effort to resolve the issues in the case. Even if you’ve yet to file suit, you can attempt mediation as an alternative to filing a lawsuit in court. If mediation fails, you can always decide to proceed with a lawsuit, or simply continue your dispute in court. Mediation is a very economical method of resolving a probate dispute. Of equal importance, mediation often facilitates an easier “repair” to family relationships because it can allow parties to reach an agreement without a lawsuit; it is quite difficult to resume a family relationship after the bruising battles that occur in a courtroom.

As a trusted dispute resolution law firm in GA, we strive to help our clients find the best way to reach their desired outcomes. In fact, roughly 9 out of 10 probate cases mediated by Mr. Hughes result in a settlement. Contact our team of arbitration lawyers today to set up a meeting at in Lawrenceville or Atlanta to see how we can help you resolve your dispute.

More than 9 out of 10 probate cases mediated by Mr. Hughes result in a settlement.