Business disputes in South Dakota often happen in many different areas. Frequently businesses disagree on the exact terms of prior contracts or arrangements. Also, billing issues and property matters can give rise to disagreements in the business setting.

What to Do in a Business Dispute?

The first step when involved in a business dispute in Aberdeen, South Dakota should be to review any documents relevant to the matter, such as contracts. It might have already been determined in these documents how disputes will be handled. If the contracts do not have resolution clauses, or neither business has any recorded documents relevant to the dispute, then the matter might need to be taken to court. In trying to discover the best resolution for two parties who have not agreed beforehand on a resolution, South Dakota courts will use specific legal principles designed for the situation. The laws designed to settle contract disputes are different in each state. Lawyers practicing in Aberdeen are versed in the contract law of South Dakota, and can help you to handle the dispute should it go to court. An attorney's knowledge of the law may also lead to a more streamlined discussion with the other business about how to resolve the dispute. Negotiations might even enable you to resolve the dispute without going to court.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Disagreements in contracts must often be resolved outside of court according to a dispute resolution clause. Methods of resolving a conflict outside of court are called Alternative Dispute Resolution or ADR. These methods include Mediation, Arbitration and Collaboration. ADR eradicates the need to go to court, while attempting to reach the same resolution that a court would have. Different types of ADR involve their own procedures, however, and they often include a neutral third party making a decision based on local law. An attorney experienced in Alternative Dispute Resolution can help you with your business dispute in Aberdeen if it is to be resolved out of court.