Business and contract mediation
Business and Contract Dispute Mediation in the Charlotte Region
Resolve contract, partnership, construction, and commercial disputes confidentially and on your timeline, with an attorney-mediator certified in North Carolina and South Carolina.
Why businesses mediate first
Litigation between businesses is expensive, slow, and public. It pulls owners and managers away from running the company, and it usually ends the relationship for good. Mediation gives both sides a confidential setting to exchange information, test positions, and build a settlement that can include business terms a court could never order, such as revised pricing, a new delivery schedule, a payment plan, a mutual release, or a buyout. Many commercial contracts already require mediation before a lawsuit or arbitration can be filed. If yours does, we can help you satisfy that step quickly.
Business disputes we mediate
- Breach of contract: unpaid invoices, failed deliveries, scope disputes, warranty claims, and termination disputes.
- Partner and LLC member disputes: deadlock, capital calls, distributions, fiduciary duty claims, and exit or buyout terms.
- Construction and contractor disputes: change orders, delays, defects, liens, and payment disputes between owners, general contractors, and subcontractors.
- Commercial leases: rent disputes, repairs, CAM charges, and early termination.
- Employment matters: separation terms, wage and commission claims, and restrictive covenant disputes.
- Purchase and sale disputes: business acquisitions, earn-outs, representations and warranties, and real estate contracts.
A practical, business-focused process
- Scoping call. We identify the decision makers, the key documents, any contract mediation clause, and deadlines such as statutes of limitation.
- Document exchange. The parties share the contract, invoices, correspondence, and damage calculations that drive settlement value.
- Mediation day. Joint sessions and private caucuses help each side understand the other’s risks. The mediator keeps negotiations moving and flags terms that need careful drafting.
- Signed settlement terms. A written settlement memorandum is signed before the session ends, with details such as payment dates, releases, confidentiality, and non-disparagement.
Before or after filing: business disputes can be mediated before any lawsuit is filed, while a case is pending in North Carolina superior court (where mediated settlement conferences are generally required), or during a South Carolina circuit court action. Christopher Adkins is certified to mediate in both court systems.
Serving Charlotte-area businesses
We work with owners, managers, and counsel throughout the Charlotte region, including Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson, Mooresville, Concord, Mint Hill, Locust, Albemarle, Rock Hill, and Fort Mill. Sessions can be held at our offices, at a location convenient to the parties, or by video conference for out-of-town participants.
Talk with a mediator about your situation
Mediation Solutions helps families, businesses, and litigants in Huntersville, Charlotte, Locust, Albemarle, Rock Hill, and Fort Mill resolve disputes privately. Call or text to ask about scheduling, fees, and whether mediation fits your case.
Offices: 9620 Sherrill Estates Road, Huntersville, NC 28078 · 217 W. Main Street, Locust, NC 28097 · Virtual sessions available.
Frequently asked questions
Is a mediated business settlement binding?
A signed settlement agreement is generally an enforceable contract. The mediator is neutral, so each party should have counsel review the terms.
Can we keep the settlement confidential?
Yes. Confidentiality and non-disparagement terms are common in business settlements, and mediation communications are generally protected from use as evidence.
Do we need lawyers to mediate a contract dispute?
Not always, but for significant claims it is wise for each business to have counsel prepare and review the agreement.
How long does a business mediation take?
Many commercial mediations are completed in a half day or full day, depending on the number of parties and the complexity of damages.