Alternative Dispute Resolution Alternative dispute resolution
refers to the process of resolving conflict by alternative
means, usually with the help of a neutral third party. Examples
of alternative dispute resolution include Mediation,
Arbitration, and Collaborative Law. The goal is to resolve legal
issues outside of court, often reducing the cost, delay,
emotional stress, and unpredictability of the traditional court
process. Mediation is a dispute resolution process that involves
a neutral third party, a Mediator, who acts to help the parties
identify the issues and propose resolutions which are mutually
acceptable for both parties. If this is achieved, the result is
a “win-win” situation, rather than the typical “win-lose”
outcome of a court proceeding. Mediators do not decide cases,
but rather act as intermediaries, allowing lines of
communication to remain open between parties, and encouraging
the parties to reach more expeditious and cost effective
resolutions of their disputes. Arbitration is a proce