Dispute Resolution

The terms “dispute resolution” refers to a number of processes that can be used to resolve a conflict, dispute, or claim. Dispute resolution processes are alternatives to litigating in court. Examples of dispute resolution include arbitration, in which a decision maker (or makers) decides the outcome based on the presentation of evidence, or more consensual processes (such as mediation or conciliation), where the parties reach an agreement based on discussions facilitated by a neutral third party.

Dispute resolution is helpful because it provides multiple avenues for conflicting parties to put an end to their dispute and resume cooperative relations. Because there are so many forms of dispute resolution, parties may choose the method that they believe will work best for them in their specific situation.

Alternative dispute resolution, sometimes called “appropriate dispute resolution” or “ADR,” is a term referring to dispute resolution mechanisms that may be used instead of traditional litigation. Processes like arbitration, mediation, conciliation, and negotiation might all be considered forms of alternative dispute resolution. The process for ADR depends on the type of dispute resolution chosen; the process can consist of a meeting between the parties to attempt to negotiate a settlement, or it may entail a more complex evidence-driven process, such as international arbitration.