{"id":357964,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:17","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/alternative-dispute-resolution.html"},"modified":"2026-02-05T10:31:00","modified_gmt":"2026-02-05T15:31:00","slug":"alternative-dispute-resolution","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/alternative-dispute-resolution.html","title":{"rendered":"What Is Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Is Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) refers to methods of resolving conflicts outside the courtroom, often offering a faster and more cost\u2011effective alternative to traditional litigation. ADR allows the parties to play a more active role in shaping the outcome, making it a practical option for many business, family, and civil disputes.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is a catch-all term for settling disputes without going to court. ADR may involve attorneys and judges or only the parties themselves. ADR has become common in business disputes and family law disagreements since it can be faster and more cost-effective<\/a> than court proceedings.<\/p>\n

All forms of ADR<\/a> are collaborative rather than adversarial. That means the parties work together to reach a mutually beneficial resolution to their dispute, rather than arguing in court and having a judge decide which side is right. Both sides have an equal stake in the resolution process and outcome.<\/p>\n

This article describes a few common types of ADR:<\/p>\n