Types of Alternative Dispute Resolution

Alternative dispute resolution is available to people involved a divorce or family law dispute who want to avoid the time, hassle, headache, and expense of litigation. While there are multiple types of alternative dispute resolution, some of the most common types of ADR include:

Mediation: During mediation a neutral mediator helps the parties resolve issues such as child custody and visitation, child support, spousal support and property division. It’s not the mediator’s job to issue a ruling as to who gets what, but rather facilitate an open discussion between the parties and help them work together to reach amicable decisions over these issues.

Arbitration: During arbitration an arbitrator hears evidence, testimony, and arguments from both parties and then issues a decision, called an award. The arbitrator's award can either be binding or non-bonding.

Settlement Conference: During this conference the settlement officer meets with both parties and their respective attorneys to discuss the case. It’s the officer's job to help negotiate a settlement after evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of both parties’ cases.

Natural Evaluation: An evaluator (a neutral party) listens to each person’s side and then gives his or her opinion about the strengths and weaknesses of the case and how it could be resolved. It is then left up to the parties to decide how they want to settle the case. 

If you are interested in learning more about settling your divorce or dispute through alternative dispute resolution, click here to speak with a knowledgeable family law attorney. Not only is ADR less stressful and contentious than litigation, but it can also save you time and money and give you more control over how your case is resolved.