Resolving Conflicts with Alternative Dispute Resolution

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is a way of resolving legal disputes outside of the court system. Many courts often require some form of alternative dispute resolution before cases can be heard, particularly in matters of family law. This is because many disputes can be resolved more effectively and inexpensively through alternative dispute resolution. The four generally accepted categories of ADR are mediation, arbitration, negotiation, and collaborative law. Some people recognize conciliation as a fifth category.

In most ADR procedures, a neutral person is present to help give an unbiased opinion and act as a mediator for decision-making and resolution. In collaborative law, however, each party retains separate counsel and the two parties work together to try to resolve the issues at stake.

Alternative dispute resolution is particularly useful in many divorce cases as well as family matters such as child custody, child support, alimony, and property division. Particularly when two parties are not far apart on a legal matter, an alternative dispute resolution can quickly and painlessly help resolve the conflict.

Many family lawyers offer ADR services in addition to court services, including our law office. To learn how we can be of assistance to you, contact the Hopper Law Firm to arrange a time to speak with a Raleigh family law attorney from our office.