The term alternative dispute resolution (ADR) means any procedure agreed to by the parties of a dispute in which they use the services of a neutral party to assist them in reaching an agreement and avoiding litigation. Types of ADR include arbitration, mediation, negotiated rule-making, neutral fact-finding, and mini-trials. Except for binding arbitration, the goal of ADR is to provide a forum for the parties to work toward a voluntary, consensual agreement, as opposed to having a judge or other authority decide the case.

In addition to serving as a potential means of avoiding the expense, delay, and uncertainty associated with traditional litigation, ADR is also intended as a vehicle for improving communication between the parties. It provides a forum for creative solutions to disputes that better meet the parties’ needs.