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Litigation-I Win, You Lose vs. Mediation-Win/Win

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  Litigation is a zero-sum game.  It destroys relationships and fosters enmity between the parties.  Parties rarely walk away happy.  Even if they win, the expense of litigation is enormous, and collecting on judgments is difficult. Disputes ultimately resolve, but the focus on winning at any cost can lead to prolonged legal battles.  Living with a lawsuit causes ongoing stress, which can distract you from your business and even have an effect on your health. In a courtroom, the final decision lies with a judge or jury who may not fully grasp the complexities of the case. Parties relinquish control over the outcome, potentially leaving them dissatisfied with the final judgment. Mediation has the opposite effect.   Rather than polarizing people, it enables the parties to attack the issues and not each other.     The process promotes open communication, collaboration and problem-solving, which enables parties to actively participate in crafting ...
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TEN NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FOR CONTRACTORS IN 2017

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At the end of the year I think about the disputes I’ve handled, and how they might have been prevented.  I also consider better practices for contractors and how they can improve their businesses.  These are my top ten resolutions for 2017. 1.  Insert a Right to Repair Clause in Your Contracts If you are going to run a contracting business, you are eventually going to run across owners who refuse to pay for work because it is (allegedly) defective.  Or, the client may pay another contractor to “fix” your work and try to collect that money from you.  One way to discourage this practice is by inserting a “right to repair” clause in your contract.  Before an owner can go hire someone else to “repair” your work, they are required under the contract to give you the opportunity to review any supposedly defective work and repair it.  This greatly reduces your exposure to defect claims. 2.  Include a Right to Stop the Work for Nonpay...
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