Mediation and ADR
Alternative dispute resolution (ADR)
Also called ADR
Ways of resolving a legal dispute without a trial, such as mediation, arbitration, early neutral evaluation and settlement conferences.[1][2]
In more detail
Federal law defines ADR as any process, other than a judge's ruling, in which a neutral third party helps resolve the issues, and requires every federal district court to offer at least one ADR process in civil cases.[1][3] State courts run their own programs; Maryland's courts describe ADR as a range of ways to resolve disputes without going to trial.[4] In some processes, like mediation, the parties keep the decision; in others, like binding arbitration, the neutral decides.
Varies by state
Which ADR processes a court offers or requires, and when, differs by state and by court. Find your state’s rules.
Related terms
- MediationA process in which a neutral mediator helps the parties communicate and negotiate so they can reach their own voluntary agreement.
- ArbitrationA process in which a neutral person or panel, the arbitrator, hears each side's facts and arguments and then decides the dispute.
- NeutralAn impartial person with no stake in the outcome who helps the parties resolve a dispute.
- Early neutral evaluation (ENE)An ADR process in which an experienced neutral, usually a lawyer who knows the subject, hears both sides early in a case and gives a confidential, non-binding assessment of its strengths and likely value.
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Sources
The official documents this definition is based on, with the date we last read each one. Definitions are in our own words.
General information, not legal advice. MediationList is not a law firm. Spotted an error? Tell us.
Cite this page
MediationList. (2026, October 28). Alternative dispute resolution: Definition. https://mediationlist.com/glossary/alternative-dispute-resolution/
APA 7th ed. A retrieval date is included only for pages whose content changes, such as maps, data and tools.