This paper identifies and considers some less formal approaches to the resolution of a dispute, including avoidance and negotiation, and weighs the relative advantages and disadvantages of pursuing them prior to more formal approaches, such as mediation, arbitration, or judicial dispute resolution. The paper also details specific negotiation options that can be pursued in the early stages of a claim.

This paper is part of a collection presented at LESA’s 50^th Annual Refresher in Lake Louise from May 7–9^th, 2017.