In some cases, a dispute arises that two people cannot resolve on their own. This could happen in business, for example, when two business partners can’t come to an agreement and their business partnership contract doesn’t specify what happens next. They are worried that litigation is going to occur and that legal decisions are going to have to be made that will both affect them and their business.
One way to resolve this is by hiring a third-party neutral. This person can help to work through the dispute. But if you choose to do this, are they going to represent you in that upcoming legal process?
Seeking a solution
The short answer is that no, a third-party neutral will not represent you. They would also not represent your hypothetical business partner. Their job is to work between the two of you and facilitate the process so that you can seek a solution that works for everyone. This is much different than issuing a solution or making any binding decisions for you.
But it is important to remember that the third-party neutral is not “on your side.” They are focused on helping to protect your rights, but they are equally interested in your business partner’s rights. They are simply there to guide you through the legal process, helping to demonstrate what options there are as you seek a compromise. This mediation process can be very beneficial, but it is different than other types of court cases where each person has a legal advisor on their side.
If you do find yourself in a dispute, having a third-party neutral may be the solution you’re searching for. Just be sure you consider all of the legal options at your disposal.