Dispute resolution is often a multistep process that can start with negotiation, move on to mediation, and, if necessary, end in arbitration or litigation.

This progression allows parties to start off, quite naturally, with less-expensive, less-formal procedures before making bigger commitments of money and time.

Still, there may be situations in which you wonder if it would be better to sue first and then aim for a settlement, rather than starting with a more collegial process.