231 Riverside Drive
Macon, Georgia 31201
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Tel 478.742.4280
Fax 478.742.8720
Alternative Dispute Resolution
At James Bates, we believe that legal disputes should be resolved as quickly as possible, and at a cost that is reasonably related to the complexity of the case and legal and factual issues involved. For this reason, we often recommend that our clients’ disputes be submitted to mediation or arbitration.
Mediation is a process in which two or more persons submit their dispute to a trained and neutral mediator in hopes of reaching a settlement. The participants communicate their positions to the mediator in a confidential manner, and the mediator then attempts to assist these individuals in reaching a reasonable, fair and acceptable result. A good mediator will help each party arrive at an informed and cost effective resolution of the conflict.
Arbitration, unlike mediation, is a binding procedure in which a neutral arbitrator conducts a hearing, and then makes a final decision after considering any and all evidence presented from both sides. The decision of the arbitrator usually becomes confirmed by the court, and then may be entered as a final judgment.