Negotiation v. Litigation

Traveling around Vermont to Federal Court in Burlington, Family Court in Washington and Addison and Rutland Counties, and Criminal Court in Windsor and Washington Counties, what is absolutely clear is the delay and expense involved in litigation. When ever possible, negotiation, mediation or even arbitration appears to be a much more timely, cost-effective and satisfying way to resolve conflicts than use of the formal judicial process. Once served, criminal charges or civil complaints create a world of delay, expense and much opportunity for misunderstanding and inappropriate assumptions or outcomes. However, the credible threat of expensive and stressful litigation in some cases does speed resolution of claims.