Court ADR Pocket Guide

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What Is ADR?

Alternative dispute resolution, or ADR, refers to a variety of methods for resolving disputes outside of traditional litigation. Court ADR programs frequently use mediation and arbitration, among other approaches, to support efficient and practical dispute resolution.

ADR methods differ in process and purpose. Some methods help parties reach their own agreement, while others provide evaluation or structured recommendations.

Whether in a court program or in another venue, ADR offers flexible ways to resolve conflict and reduce the need for full trial proceedings.

How Do Courts Use ADR?

• Mediation programs for civil, family, and small claims matters
• Non-binding arbitration and neutral evaluation programs
• Settlement conferences and court-referred case management workflows
• Hybrid models designed for local court needs and case types

Why Do Courts Use ADR?

Courts use ADR to improve access to resolution, reduce delays, help parties participate more directly in outcomes, and support efficient case handling across a wide range of disputes.