How Vermont’s Court System Encourages Mediation

January 14, 2026

Vermont’s court system has long recognized that not every dispute is best resolved through traditional litigation. In many cases, a more collaborative, solutions-focused approach can lead to better outcomes. This is not only true for the parties involved, but also for families, businesses, and communities. As a result, Vermont courts actively encourage mediation as a practical and effective way to resolve disputes.


In family law matters, mediation is often built directly into the process. Vermont courts routinely require parties in divorce, custody, and parent-child contact cases to participate in mediation before proceeding to trial. The goal is not simply to reduce court congestion, but to give individuals the opportunity to work through difficult issues in a more constructive and less adversarial setting. Mediation allows parties to maintain greater control over the outcome, rather than leaving critical decisions in the hands of a judge.


This emphasis is especially important in cases involving children. Vermont courts recognize that ongoing relationships—particularly between co-parents—benefit from cooperation rather than conflict. Mediation provides a structured environment where parties can address communication challenges and focus on long-term solutions that prioritize the well-being of their children.


Beyond family law, mediation is also encouraged in civil matters, including property disputes, contract issues, and business conflicts. Courts may suggest or order mediation at various stages of a case, particularly when it appears that the parties could reach a resolution with the help of a neutral third party. In many instances, early mediation can significantly reduce the time and cost associated with litigation. Vermont’s approach reflects a broader understanding of how disputes impact individuals and communities. Litigation can be time-consuming, expensive, and emotionally taxing. Mediation, by contrast, is typically more efficient and allows for creative, tailored solutions that may not be available in a courtroom setting. It also helps preserve relationships—an important consideration in a state where personal and professional connections often overlap.


Another key advantage of mediation is flexibility. Sessions can be scheduled more quickly than court hearings, and the process itself can be adapted to meet the needs of the parties. Whether addressing a complex property dispute or navigating sensitive family dynamics, mediation offers a level of customization that traditional litigation cannot. Importantly, mediation does not require parties to agree on everything from the outset. It is designed to help individuals move from disagreement toward resolution, one issue at a time. Even in high-conflict situations, a skilled mediator can guide productive conversations, clarify misunderstandings, and help identify common ground.


Vermont courts support this process because it works. Many disputes that enter mediation are resolved without the need for trial, saving time, reducing costs, and minimizing stress for everyone involved. And when cases do proceed to court, those that have gone through mediation are often more focused and efficient. For individuals and businesses facing a dispute, understanding how and when to engage in mediation can make a meaningful difference. Whether participation is court-ordered or voluntary, approaching mediation with the right guidance and preparation can lead to more effective and lasting resolutions.


Contact Langrock Mediation 


If you are navigating a dispute and want to explore whether mediation is the right path, the team at Langrock Mediation is here to help. Contact us to learn more about the process and how we can support you in reaching a practical, forward-looking resolution.

Beyond the Dollar Amount and What Mediation Can Address That Litigation Often Cannot

July 14, 2026
When people think about resolving a legal dispute, the conversation often centers on money. How much is the claim worth? How much will one side pay? What might a judge or jury award? Financial considerations are important in many disputes, but they are not always the only issue standing between the parties and a resolution. Sometimes what people really need involves how they will interact in the future, when an obligation will be fulfilled, what happens to a piece of property, or simply an acknowledgment of what occurred. A courtroom is designed to provide legal remedies. Mediation gives the parties an opportunity to think more broadly about what it will actually take to resolve their disagreement. Some Solutions Do Not Fit Neatly Into a Judgment Courts generally must work within the remedies available under the law. Depending on the case, that may mean awarding damages, determining legal rights, enforcing an agreement, or ordering another form of relief. Those remedies may resolve the legal case without necessarily addressing everything that led to the dispute. Consider two business owners who want to end their partnership but still share customers, property, or contractual obligations. A financial award alone may not answer the practical questions about how they separate their interests. The same can be true in disputes involving neighbors, employers and employees, family businesses, property owners, or parties to a long-term contract. Even after determining who is legally responsible, there may still be questions about what happens next. Mediation allows the parties to make those practical concerns part of the conversation. A Settlement Can Include More Than Money Because a mediated resolution is negotiated by the parties, there is often greater flexibility in determining its terms. Depending on the dispute, an agreement might establish a payment schedule rather than require a single payment, allowing the parties to reach terms that are financially workable. In other cases, the most important provisions may have little to do with money. Parties might agree on how property will be used or divided, establish responsibilities going forward, modify an existing business arrangement, or determine how future communication will occur. Confidentiality can also be important, particularly when a dispute involves a business, professional relationship, or sensitive information. When appropriate, confidentiality provisions can become part of a negotiated settlement. Sometimes a party wants an acknowledgment or apology. While that may have little measurable financial value, it can be significant to the person receiving it and may help overcome an obstacle that has prevented the dispute from settling. These possibilities do not mean that every request will become part of an agreement. Mediation remains a negotiation, and both sides must be willing to accept the final terms. The advantage is that the parties can explore solutions based on what matters to them rather than limiting the discussion to what might ultimately be ordered in court. Finding a Resolution That Works in Practice A successful settlement is not necessarily one in which either side gets everything it wanted. Often, it is one that allows both parties to put the dispute behind them on terms they can accept. That can require looking beyond positions the parties have taken during litigation and identifying the interests behind them. A party insisting on a particular dollar amount, for example, may be more concerned about receiving payment promptly and reliably. Another may be willing to make a greater financial concession in exchange for confidentiality or certainty about future obligations. Mediation creates a setting in which those priorities can become part of the negotiations. By considering solutions beyond a traditional judgment, the parties may find options that address the legal dispute as well as the practical issues that matter after it ends. Contact Langrock Mediation  Every conflict is different, and not every dispute can be resolved through mediation. When the parties are open to negotiation, however, the ability to consider a wider range of terms can create opportunities that litigation alone may not provide. To learn more about mediation and the types of solutions that may be available in your dispute, reach out to Langrock Mediation for more information.

Buying a Small Business in Vermont and What to Know Before You Sign

June 17, 2026
Buying an existing business can be an appealing alternative to starting one from scratch. The customer base, employees, equipment, vendor relationships, and operating history may already be in place. But a business that looks successful from the outside can come with obligations and risks that are not immediately apparent. Before signing a purchase agreement, buyers should understand exactly what obligations may come with the transaction and whether the business is in the financial and legal position the seller has represented. Look Beyond the Financial Statements Financial records are an important part of evaluating a potential acquisition, but due diligence should extend well beyond revenue and profitability. A buyer should review the business's tax records, debts, pending or threatened litigation, insurance coverage, licenses and permits, and any liens or other claims involving business assets. Existing contracts also deserve careful attention. Agreements with customers, vendors, suppliers, lenders, and other third parties can have a significant impact on the value of the business. Some contracts may be transferred to a new owner, while others require consent or contain provisions allowing the other party to terminate the agreement after a change in ownership. If the business operates from leased property, the commercial lease can be equally important. Buyers should understand how much time remains on the lease, renewal options, rent increases, maintenance obligations, and whether the landlord must approve an assignment or a new lease. Vermont buyers should also be aware of state-specific obligations that can arise in connection with a business transfer. For example, Vermont law includes notice requirements involving certain bulk transfers of business assets and provisions that may affect a buyer that continues the operations of an existing employer. Know the Value of What You Are Buying Employees can be one of a business's most valuable assets, particularly when customer relationships or specialized knowledge depend on particular people. Before closing, buyers should understand the existing workforce, compensation and benefits, employment agreements, accrued obligations, and any ongoing employment disputes. In Vermont, acquiring and continuing an existing business can also have implications for unemployment insurance. Under certain circumstances, an acquiring business may be treated as a successor employer, and the predecessor's experience-rating record may transfer to the successor. Buyers should also identify precisely which physical and intangible assets are included in the purchase. Depending on the business, that might include equipment, inventory, vehicles, intellectual property, websites and domain names, customer information, trade names, or other valuable rights. It is important to determine not only that the seller possesses these assets, but also whether they are subject to liens or security interests that need to be addressed before closing. Asset Purchase or Equity Purchase? One of the most important decisions in structuring an acquisition is whether to purchase the assets of the business or the ownership interests in the company itself. In an asset purchase, the buyer generally purchases specifically identified assets and assumes only the liabilities identified in the agreement, subject to applicable law. This structure can give the parties greater ability to define what is — and is not — part of the transaction. In an equity purchase, the buyer purchases ownership of the existing company. The business entity continues to own its assets and remain subject to its contractual obligations and liabilities. That makes a careful investigation of the company's history particularly important. Neither structure is automatically better. Tax consequences, contracts, licenses, liabilities, financing, and the buyer's plans for the business can all influence how a transaction should be structured. Contact Deppman Law PLC  Purchasing a business is a significant investment, and issues discovered after closing can be far more difficult and expensive to address than those identified during negotiations. An attorney can help evaluate the proposed transaction, conduct legal due diligence, identify potential risks, and prepare or review the agreements necessary to protect the buyer's interests. If you are considering buying a business in Vermont, contact Deppman Law PLC to learn more about the acquisition process and the steps you can take before signing.

How Long Does Mediation Usually Take?

May 14, 2026
One of the first questions many people ask when considering mediation is, “How long will this take?” The answer depends on several factors, including the type of dispute, the number of issues involved, and the willingness of the parties to work toward a resolution. However, one of the reasons mediation is so popular is that it is often significantly faster than traditional litigation. While court cases can take months—or even years—to resolve, many mediation matters can be completed in a matter of weeks or a few sessions. Every Dispute Is Different There is no one-size-fits-all timeline for mediation. Some disputes can be resolved in a single session lasting just a few hours. Others may require multiple meetings spread over several weeks or months. For example: A straightforward neighbor dispute may be resolved in one session. A family matter involving parenting arrangements or property issues may require several meetings. A business dispute involving multiple parties and complex financial information may take longer. The goal is not to rush the process but to provide enough time for meaningful discussion and problem-solving. What Happens Before Mediation Begins? The mediation process often starts before anyone sits down at the table. Participants may need to gather documents, exchange information, identify issues, and schedule sessions. Depending on the circumstances, this preparation period can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Being organized and prepared often helps the mediation process move more efficiently once discussions begin. Factors That Affect the Timeline Several factors can influence how quickly mediation progresses. These include: The complexity of the issues involved The number of participants The amount of information that must be reviewed Scheduling availability The level of conflict between the parties Whether outside experts or attorneys are involved Cases involving strong emotions or long-standing disagreements may require additional time as participants work through difficult conversations. Mediation Is Often Faster Than Litigation One of the biggest advantages of mediation is that the parties control the timeline. In court, scheduling depends on the availability of judges, attorneys, and court resources. Delays are common, and hearings may be scheduled months apart. In mediation, participants can often schedule sessions much sooner and proceed at a pace that works for everyone involved. Even when mediation requires multiple sessions, it frequently reaches resolution far more quickly than litigation. Quality Matters More Than Speed Although many people are eager to resolve disputes quickly, the ultimate goal of mediation is to reach a durable and workable agreement. Taking the time to understand concerns, explore options, and develop mutually acceptable solutions often leads to better long-term outcomes than simply obtaining a quick decision from a court. The most successful mediations balance efficiency with thoughtful discussion. Contact Langrock Mediation If you are considering mediation and wondering what the process might look like for your situation, Langrock Mediation can help. We work with individuals, families, businesses, and organizations throughout Vermont to facilitate productive conversations and efficient dispute resolution. Contact Langrock Mediation today to learn more about the mediation process and how it may help you move forward.