What is alternative dispute resolution (ADR)?

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is a way to resolve legal disputes without going through the court system. ADR can take the form of mediation, arbitration, negotiation, or any other process where the parties agree to come to a solution without a court ruling. In Washington, ADR is an option for settling civil conflicts and is popularly used to reach an efficient and cost-effective agreement with less time and expense than going to trial would entail. Mediation is the most commonly used form of ADR in Washington in which a neutral third party works with the parties to negotiate a resolution. Through mediation, the parties are encouraged to discuss their issues and come up with a mutually beneficial solution in a respectful environment. Arbitration is less commonly used in Washington, but parties can still agree to have their dispute decided by a neutral third party. This party, known as an arbitrator, will listen to each side’s argument and make a legally binding decision. The arbitrator can also choose to impose a settlement if they believe it is in the best interest of the parties. Negotiation is the last form of ADR commonly used in Washington. This process involves the parties working together to come to an agreement without the need of a third-party mediator. The parties can come to an informal solution or use attorneys to come to a more formal agreement. Overall, Alternative dispute resolution is a great tool for settling legal disputes without having to resort to the court system. In Washington, the various forms of ADR have become increasingly popular and are backed by the court system.

Related FAQs

What is the doctrine of laches?
What is a motion in limine?
What are the challenges to a summons?
How long do parties have to respond to pleadings?
How does civil procedure differ from state to state?
What are the rules of evidence in civil procedure?
What is the difference between interrogatories and requests for production of documents?
What is a remittitur?
What is a motion for a new trial?
What is a judgement in rem?

What is alternative dispute resolution (ADR)?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts