Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

ADR is often used as a cost effective way of resolving disputes as it avoids the need for a case to go to court.

ADR offers a range of options such as mediation, adjudication, arbitration and conciliation, all of which are carried out for a fixed cost.

Whilst ADR is open to any individual to use without solicitors assistance, if you are not careful, it is not uncommon for cases to over run and become as expensive as a court case. Therefore it is important to use the service of a specialist solicitor, as their experience is invaluable and will prevent this from happening.

ADR can be used for a variety of disputes from family disputes, disputes with neighbours, your child’s school, your ex-partner, your landlord, etc.

Courts often make a bad situation even worse. ADR allows you to find a solution that both parties can live with and it can even help to preserve relationships that may otherwise have broken down.

ADR brings a much wider range of outcomes than a court and may well be more appropriate if your aim is an explanation, an apology or a change in an organisations policy or practice. Most complaints are investigated without a formal hearing by using letters and documents and will usually bring both parties together for a face-to-face discussion.

ADR will try to reach an agreement that gives the best possible outcome for all involved and in such a way that can have a positive effect on what happens afterwards.

Research indicates that agreements reached through ADR are more likely to work out than those imposed by a court.