ADR is an out-of-court civil dispute resolution process
Alternative dispute resolution refers to the process in which litigants can informally resolve their legal disputes without going through formal litigation and trial. ADR employs various methods and practices that parties can use to resolve their disputes, including mediation, arbitration, and settlement conferences.
The court can order ADR proceedings, or it can be voluntarily chosen by the parties. The process is usually not binding unless agreed to by the parties and offers a less expensive, less aggravating, and less time-consuming process than going through a civil trial.
One area of ADR that is growing in popularity is divorce mediation, also called in some states collaborative divorce.
