ADR gives parties in dispute the opportunity to work through disputed issues with the help of a neutral third party. It is generally faster and less expensive than going to court.
When used appropriately, ADR can:
- save a lot of time by allowing resolution in weeks or months, compared to court, which can take years
- save a lot of money, including fees for lawyers and experts, and work time lost
- put the parties in control (instead of their lawyers or the court) by giving them an opportunity to tell their side of the story and have a say in the final decision
- focus on the issues that are important to the people in dispute instead of just their legal rights and obligations
- help the people involved come up with flexible and creative options by exploring what each of them wants to achieve and why
- preserve relationships by helping people co-operate instead of creating one winner and one loser
- produce good results, for example settlement rates of up to 85 per cent
- reduce stress from court appearances, time and cost