In Short
Court litigation should generally be considered a last resort after exhausting alternative dispute resolution methods, as it can be costly, time-consuming, and unpredictable. Understanding the court process, including pre-litigation requirements, filing procedures, and potential timeframes, will help you make informed decisions about pursuing legal action. Careful consideration of the costs, risks, and potential outcomes is essential before commencing court proceedings.
Tips for Businesses
Assess whether the potential recovery justifies the legal costs and time investment of court proceedings. Comply with any pre-litigation requirements, such as genuine steps statements or mandatory mediation, before filing. Gather and preserve all relevant evidence, including contracts, correspondence, and financial records. Consider the enforceability of any judgment you might obtain and whether the other party has assets to satisfy it.
Summary
This article explains how Australian businesses can resolve disputes through court proceedings and what to expect during the litigation process. LegalVision is a commercial law firm that specialises in advising clients on commercial litigation and dispute resolution.
Court proceedings of any nature can be time-consuming and expensive. Additionally, litigation always carries some risk, as there is never a guaranteed outcome. No matter how ‘rock solid’ your case might be, once you commence litigation, your future is in the hands of a third party. This said, it may be the best option to resolve a dispute in court in some instances. In this article, we will outline the factors to consider before commencing court proceedings and offer some potential litigation alternatives.
Key Considerations
There are many factors to consider before deciding to commence proceedings in court, some of which include:
- your time;
- potential legal costs;
- costs you may be able to recover;
- ongoing relationships; and
- your desired outcome.
1. Your Time
This is an important factor that is sometimes overlooked. As a party to court proceedings, you will be required to take part in several time-consuming activities, including:
- regularly liaising with your lawyer;
- providing instructions promptly, as and when required;
- attending court proceedings; and
- giving evidence.
2. Legal Costs
Disputes can be expensive and legal costs can quickly escalate. If you would like to engage a lawyer, ask them to provide you with an estimate of the costs you will likely incur. Your lawyer is obliged to provide you with this information, and to disclose how the costs were calculated.
3. Costs Recoverable
As a general rule, a successful party will be awarded part of their costs by the court. The unsuccessful party will pay these costs. This is the amount recoverable and is dependent on several factors, including the total amount of your claim.
Even if you are the successful party, you will still usually be out of pocket for part of your legal fees. If you are the unsuccessful party and a costs order is made against you, you will be significantly out of pocket.
4. Ongoing Relationships
Commencing court proceedings against someone can have a negative impact on both the personal and business relationship. Before going to court, ask yourself: ‘Is this relationship important to me, personally or professionally?’. If your answer is ‘yes’, commencing court proceedings may not be the best way forward.
5. Outcome
Are you likely to get the outcome you desire by going to court? For example, there is little point in commencing proceedings against a company that is insolvent and cannot pay. Speak to a dispute resolution lawyer about what exactly you want to achieve – there may be another way.
Alternatives to Court
If you decide that court is not the best way forward for you, there are alternate methods for resolving a dispute. Often, these methods are:
- cheaper;
- less time-consuming; and
- allow for the preservation of personal and professional relationships.
Parties should take active steps to attempt to resolve their dispute before commencing court proceedings. There are many ways to negotiate the settlement of a dispute. The option you choose will depend on several factors, including the:
- nature of your dispute;
- complexity of the issues at hand; and
- existence of any power imbalance between the parties.
Two popular methods of alternative dispute resolution are negotiation and mediation:
| Negotiation | Mediation |
| Negotiation provides the opportunity for the parties to attempt to reach an agreement. Usually, both parties compromise on their position in one way or another.Parties to a dispute can conduct this type of negotiation directly between themselves or via their lawyers. | Mediation is a more formal and structured negotiation process, where a neutral third party (known as the mediator) helps the parties to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. Mediation is a negotiation, which means that the parties are not forced to resolve their dispute, and a successful outcome cannot be guaranteed. It will depend on the each party’s desire to compromise. |
Get It In Writing
If you are successful in negotiating a settlement to your dispute, it is essential that you record your agreement in writing. Ensure that you include all the details of the agreement. Having a lawyer draft the terms of the settlement may be helpful, especially if you want to avoid any future disputes about the same issues.
This guide provides key information on how to manage a business dispute as quickly and cost-effectively as possible.
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Key Takeaways
Commencing court proceedings may not be your best option in resolving your dispute, particularly if you are looking for cost and time-effective solutions. Going to court to resolve your dispute should be a last resort.
Try alternative dispute resolution methods, such as negotiation and mediation, before taking such a drastic step.
LegalVision provides ongoing legal support for all businesses through our fixed-fee legal membership. Our experienced lawyers help businesses manage contracts, employment law, disputes, intellectual property and more, with unlimited access to specialist lawyers for a fixed monthly fee. To learn more about LegalVision’s legal membership, call 1300 544 755 or visit our membership page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Consider your time, potential legal costs, recoverable costs, ongoing relationships, and the likelihood of achieving your desired outcome. Litigation is time-consuming and costly, and it may strain personal or business relationships.
Negotiation and mediation are effective alternatives to court. Negotiation allows direct or lawyer-assisted discussions, while mediation involves a neutral third party facilitating a resolution. Both methods save time, reduce costs, and help preserve relationships.
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