Forms of Dispute Resolution Sample Clauses

Forms of Dispute Resolution. The following forms of dispute resolution should be considered as options in the special condition of contracts: Negotiation Negotiating between the Municipality and the contractor is the most common approach to resolving disagreements and disputes. The intention of the negotiation is to reach a mutually acceptable solution, where both sides consider they have gained the best possible result in the circumstances. It is important that one party does not consider they have been unduly pressured to agree to a particular solution as a result of the negotiation as this can lead to an escalation or reappearance of the dispute at a later stage. Mediation Mediation involves the use of a neutral third party to assist in resolving the dispute. The mediator does not impose a decision on the parties in the way a court or arbitrator does, but instead seeks to help the parties resolve the dispute themselves. Mediation is usually regarded as a faster, less formal and less costly process than court proceedings or arbitration. Arbitration The aim of arbitration is to obtain a final and enforceable result without the costs, delays and the formalities of litigation. Arbitration proceedings are private, can be held at a mutually convenient time and the actual proceedings are less complex than litigation. Litigation Litigation is the act or process of contesting a lawsuit or seeking redress through the courts. It can be an expensive and time consuming procedure and is generally taken when other avenues of dispute resolution have not been successful or are not available. Other approaches to resolving disputes or Contractor defaults should therefore be considered prior to litigation