Are there alternate dispute resolution options available in small claims court?

Yes, there are alternate dispute resolution (ADR) options available in small claims court in New York. ADR provides an alternative to traditional litigation and allows parties to resolve their disputes without having to go through the full trial process. The two most common forms of ADR used in New York small claims court are mediation and arbitration. In mediation, a neutral third-party acts as a mediator to help the parties reach a mutually acceptable resolution to their dispute. There is no set outcome in mediations and the parties ultimately have the power to decide the outcome. In arbitration, an arbitrator is appointed to hear evidence and render a binding decision on the dispute. Arbitration is a more formal process than mediation and allows the parties to present evidence that would normally be heard in a courtroom setting. The decision of the arbitrator is legally binding and enforceable in a court of law. In New York, the court may order one or both parties to attend mediation and/or arbitration before the case proceeds to trial. This can be beneficial for both parties as it allows them to resolve their dispute before they proceed to trial, which helps to save time and money. It also helps to ensure that the dispute is resolved fairly and amicably.

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Are there alternate dispute resolution options available in small claims court?

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