Meeting Your Needs Through Appropriate Dispute ResolutionAn Alternative to the CourtsMany companies and individuals are turning to alternative dispute resolution (ADR) as a way to settle disputes. They recognize that a time consuming and expensive journey through the courts in search of a settlement to a dispute often results in no true winner and has uncontrollable risk factors associated with it. ADR includes a number of procedures which make use of a neutral third party to facilitate settlement of a dispute. These include mediation, fact finding, case evaluation, negotiation and arbitration. While not a new concept, ADR has recently gained increased attention as many of the nations largest and most successful companies have turned to ADR rather than the courts. And ADR offers the same benefits to small companies and individuals as well. Smaller and mid-sized companies as well as those operated by families recognize that relationships must be preserved in order to continue doing business after a dispute is settled. We endorse the rules and ethics of the Association for Conflict Resolution, as well as those of the U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution. Who Starts the ProcessThe process can be initiated by any stakeholder or party to a dispute or even by a concerned party not directly involved in the dispute. However, participation in the process is usually voluntary. How the Process WorksSpecific ADR tools, and individual characteristics of each dispute require some flexibility, however in general, this is the procedure that one can expect.
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