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 Hopper Law Office to arrange a time to speak with a Raleigh family law attorney from our office.