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What is Alternative Dispute Resolution?

Alternative Dispute Resolution, or ADR, is a general term that includes a variety of different ways of trying to settle or adjudicate a civil suit outside of the court process.

Arbitration is a form of trial before essentially a private judge (the arbitrator).  People sometimes agree ahead of time to arbitrate any disputes, because the process generally moves faster than the civil courts.  This is typically not something that happens once a lawsuit begins.

Mediation is another form of ADR that you likely will be offered in the court of your lawsuit.  Mediation is a voluntary process, where both parties meet with a neutral mediator who tries to help them come to a compromise they can all live with.

The mediator's job is not to take sides.  Any party is also free to stop the mediation anytime they want if it is not productive.  Finally, you should know that everything said in mediation is strictly protected by statute (and usually a mediation agreement the parties sign), so nothing that is said in mediation can be used in the case if you do not reach a settlement.


Learn more here about mediation in Massachusetts.

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What is alternative dispute resolution?

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  • Home
  • Employment Law
    • Guide To Employment Law Content
    • Employment Contracts in Massachusetts
    • Discrimination in the Workplace
    • Employment Termination >
      • Massachusetts Paid Family Leave
      • Severance Pay
      • Unemployment in Massachusetts
    • Sexual Harassment at Work >
      • Sexual Harassment in a Small Business
      • Sexual Harassment and Non Disclosure Agreements
      • Sexual Harassment and Remote Work
    • Wage and Hour Laws
    • Independent Contractor Law
    • Non Compete Agreements >
      • Are non competes enforceable
      • Massachusetts Non Compete Act
      • Pre 2018 Massachusetts Non Competes
  • Estate Planning
    • Guide To Estate Planning Content
    • Legacy Protection
    • Why You Need an Estate Plan
    • Why You Don't Have an Estate Plan
    • Estate Planning Documents >
      • Children with Special Needs
    • Planning for Assisted Living
    • Probate Process
  • Business Law
    • Guide To Business Law Content
    • Small Business Law
    • Business Contract Basics
    • Civil Suit Defense
    • Legal Issues for Start Ups
    • Trademark Basics
    • How to Incorporate
    • Sale of Business
  • About
    • Reviews
    • Slnlaw Offices
    • slnlaw core values
    • Publications and Interviews
    • New Client Intake and Consultation
    • Contact
  • Attorneys
    • Emily Smith-Lee >
      • 2018 Lawyer of the Year
    • Jenna Ordway
    • Rebecca Rogers
    • Sharleen Tinnin
    • Elijah Bresley
  • Legal FAQs
    • Estate Planning FAQs
    • Probate FAQs
    • Small Business FAQs
    • Wage Act FAQs
    • Commission Pay FAQs
    • Overtime FAQs
    • Independent Contractor FAQs
    • Non Compete FAQs
    • Employment Discrimination FAQs
    • Employment Termination FAQs
    • Massachusettts Unemployment FAQs
    • Severance Package FAQs
    • Medical Leave FAQs
    • Sexual Harassment FAQs
    • Employer FAQs
    • Civil Lawsuit FAQs
  • Blog