Alternative dispute resolution (“ADR”) refers to any method of resolving disputes without litigation. Types of ADR. The most common types of ADR for civil cases are mediation, settlement conferences, neutral evaluation, and arbitration. Read more about these ADR processes, when they may or may not be appropriate or watch a video demonstration. 

Arbitration - A process similar to an informal trial where an impartial third party hears each side of a dispute and issues a decision; the parties may agree to have the decision be binding or non-binding

Binding and Non-Binding - A binding decision is a ruling that the parties must abide by whether or not they agree with it; a non-binding decision is a ruling that the parties may choose to ignore

Arbitrator - An impartial person given the power to resolve a dispute by hearing each side and coming to decision

Hearing - A proceeding in which evidence and arguments are presented, usually to a decision-maker who will issue ruling

Mediation - A collaborative process where a mediator works with the parties to come to a mutually agreeable solution; mediation is usually non-binding.