Mediation in Business Disputes

Business disputes requiring mediation can arise from an infinite number of situations. There are probably two broad categories of these types of disputes: those involving owners within a single business and those between two separate business entities. A business with more than one principal can easily develop management problems that have to be resolved. Usually these disputes arise because the principals neglected to define roles for themselves properly from the outset, or the business plan has changed without the support of all concerned. Intra-business disputes can be particular difficult when one party owns a greater percentage of the business than other principals. Nevertheless, resolution through mediation can salvage a business relationship that would be probably end if the dispute ended up in court. Business disputes between two separate business entities can involve relatively mundane issues such as collecting a debt to the relatively exotic such intellectual property disputes. All of these issues can be appropriate for resolution by mediation.

AAM was incorporated in 1981 as the Austin Family Mediation Association. In recognition of the growing diversity in the field of mediation, in 1992 AFMA decided to expand its scope and became the Austin Association of Mediators.