Legal Definitions - Alternative dispute resolution - State statutes

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) refers to methods of resolving legal disputes outside of the traditional court system. State statutes provide guidelines and regulations for ADR processes such as mediation, arbitration, and negotiation. Each state has its own set of statutes that govern ADR.

For example, in California, ADR is governed by Title 2, Division 3, Part 1, Chapter 4.5, Article 5. This article outlines the requirements for court-ordered mediation and the qualifications for mediators. In Texas, ADR is governed by Government Code, Title 10, Subtitle A, 2008, which provides guidelines for arbitration and mediation in civil cases.

These state statutes illustrate the importance of ADR in the legal system and provide a framework for resolving disputes in a more efficient and cost-effective manner. By using ADR methods, parties can avoid the time and expense of going to court and reach a mutually beneficial resolution.