Mediation and other alternatives to court

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is the collective term for settling civil disputes with the help of an independent third party and without the need for a formal court hearing. Alternatives to litigation include: mediation, ombudsmen schemes and arbitration. In relevant circumstances, ADR schemes may offer certain advantages over going to court in that they can be more flexible, quicker, less stressful and less expensive.

Anyone seeking to use an ADR scheme should consider taking legal advice. Legal advice should be given by a suitably qualified person with professional liability insurance. A separate Library standard note, SN/HA/3207, Legal help: where to go and how to pay includes information about sources of legal help.

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