Contract and Business Dispute Mediation
When a deal goes wrong, an invoice goes unpaid, or business partners stop seeing eye to eye, mediation offers a faster and more private way to work out a resolution than a lawsuit.
What these disputes look like
Contract and business disputes arise when people disagree about what was promised, what was delivered, or what is owed. They can involve written contracts, handshake agreements, purchase orders, service agreements, or partnerships. Many of these cases are filed in county court, which in Florida generally handles claims up to $50,000.
Business disputes cost more than money. They take time away from running the business and can damage relationships with customers, vendors, and partners. Mediation lets the parties focus on the practical questions, such as what is owed, when it can be paid, and whether the relationship can continue, in a confidential setting.
Common issues in these disputes
- Breach of contract claims
- Unpaid invoices and amounts owed
- Disputes over the quality or completion of work
- Vendor and supplier disagreements
- Partnership and ownership disputes
- Payment plans and settlement terms
Two examples
Example 1: An unpaid marketing invoice
The situation. A marketing firm completes a website and ad campaign for a local business and sends a final invoice for $18,000. The business owner refuses to pay the balance, saying the work was late and did not include everything promised. The firm says the delays came from the owner's own changes.
How mediation helps. In mediation, both sides can walk through the agreement, the timeline, and the emails in one conversation. The mediator helps them separate what is truly disputed from what is not. In private sessions, each side can consider the time and cost of going to court. Agreements often include practical terms, like a reduced amount, a payment schedule, or finishing certain work.
Example 2: Two partners going separate ways
The situation. Two partners in a small landscaping business decide to split up. They disagree about who keeps the equipment, the customer accounts, and about $25,000 in the business bank account. Conversations between them have become tense.
How mediation helps. The mediator gives each partner a chance to be heard and keeps the conversation focused on the business issues. Working with each side privately, the mediator helps them think through options, such as dividing the accounts, a buyout, or a payment over time. If they reach agreement, the terms are written down so each can move forward.
How mediation can help
Faster answers
Many disputes can be discussed and settled in a single session, instead of months of letters, demands, or a lawsuit.
Lower cost
A few hours of mediation typically costs far less than litigation.
A confidential setting
What is said in mediation generally stays in mediation, so people can speak more openly about what matters to them.
A mediator with business experience
Jeff brings 25 years of business experience, so he understands contracts, invoices, cash flow, and the pressure a dispute puts on a business.
You stay in control
Nobody can impose a result. A settlement happens only if both sides agree to it.
Please note: The mediator is neutral, does not represent any party, and does not give legal advice. You are welcome to bring an attorney. The examples above are illustrative, are not real cases, and do not predict the outcome of any dispute.
Schedule your mediation
Pick a date on the live calendar, or reach out with questions about your case, timing, or format.