Legal Definitions - ADR service

Definition: ADR is short for alternative dispute resolution, which refers to different ways people can resolve disputes without going to trial. ADR processes include mediation, arbitration, and neutral evaluation. These processes are usually confidential, less formal, and less stressful than traditional court proceedings. ADR Service refers to organizations that provide alternative dispute resolution services.

• Mediation: A mediator helps two parties in a dispute come to an agreement. For example, if two neighbors are arguing over a property line, they might hire a mediator to help them reach a compromise.
• Arbitration: An arbitrator listens to both sides of a dispute and makes a decision that both parties agree to follow. For example, if an employee is suing their employer for wrongful termination, they might agree to have an arbitrator decide the outcome instead of going to court.
• Neutral Evaluation: A neutral evaluator listens to both sides of a dispute and gives an opinion on how the case might be resolved. For example, if two companies are in a contract dispute, they might hire a neutral evaluator to give them an idea of how a judge might rule if the case went to court.

These examples illustrate how ADR processes can be used to resolve disputes without going to court. They are often less expensive and less time-consuming than traditional court proceedings, and they can help both parties come to a mutually agreeable solution.