Dispute Resolution has traditionally been handled with one party and their legal representative taking the other party and their legal representative to court.

This method, although still favoured by many, can be time consuming, stressful and extremely expensive.

Court administration fee increases in October 2001 means it now costs $450 just to lodge an application to hear a case in the District Court and over $3000 for filing and setting down of proceedings in the High Court. Plus, some cases can take up to 2 years to be heard which adds unnecessary pressure to a situation that requires immediate action.

Mediation or Arbitration through ‘Dispute Resolution’ as an avenue to resolving disputes is provided for in the Arbitration Act of 1996 and is becoming a more readily used option because:

• There is no more carrying around the stress of not knowing the dispute outcome for months and months
• It is less formal than public court hearings
  
• It is less expensive than court hearings
  

Negotiation, Mediation and Arbitration services are frequently offered by most lawyers and other professionals – our advice is to make sure you approach a qualified LEADR (Leading Experts in Alternative Dispute Resolution) specialist.

LEADR specialists in our firm are Mark von Dadelszen and Peter Headifen.