Claimant User Guide

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

What is ADR?

It is the collective term for the ways that parties can settle civil disputes without going to court, or if proceedings have been started, then without going to trial.

There are a number of different ADR techniques that parties can try. They may wish to use a process where a neutral third party makes a decision (arbitration, expert determination, ombudsmen and regulators). Alternatively they may prefer to use a process where the neutral agent offers an opinion, and/or seeks to bring the parties to an agreement (mediation, conciliation, and early neutral evaluation).

Under the CPR, parties involved in litigation are encouraged to use ADR procedures, and in certain circumstances, a judge can recommend it. The court may also impose cost sanctions if it decides that one or more of the parties has been unreasonable in refusing to attempt ADR.".

Where can I find out more about ADR?

There are many web-sites on the internet that you can visit - simply click on the links below:

• The ADR Group
  
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• CPR Institute for Dispute Resolution
  
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• ACI - A Commercial Initiative for Dispute Resolution
  
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• The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
  
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• CEDR, the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution
  
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• The Academy of Experts
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