Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is a way of resolving a matter that does not involve a judicial officer making a decision in a court. There are many different kinds of ADR including:
ADR is often quicker, cheaper and more flexible than going to court. Most people who have tried ADR in appropriate circumstances report high rates of success and satisfaction. Many contracts also require people to use ADR rather than court processes as a first step if any disputes about the contract arise. You can try ADR before you start a legal case or while a case is going on.
Many people assume that if they start a case in court, it will automatically go through to a final hearing to be decided by a judge, however, the vast majority of disputes are resolved through negotiation or ADR.
lists of registered arbitrators, conciliators and mediators, including mediators appointed by the District Court Chief Judge.