Court trials are often long and expensive and are both emotionally and financially draining for all parties involved. That explains why Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is a rapidly growing trend among businesses and individuals. ADR is the use of different methods to resolve legal disputes between individuals, family members, or businesses without going through the very formidable, protracted, and expensive court process. ADR offers parties engaged in disputes with alternative approaches that are more efficient, faster, and much less expensive than litigating in court. The methods range from arbitration, which is the most similar to a court proceeding, to mediation, which is the least similar.
With the numerous and substantial benefits of ADR, it is no surprise that one form or another of ADR is often required in many contracts. Many courts have, or are developing, ADR programs in which the parties must participate prior to scheduling the matter for trial. The successful use of ADR lessens the burden on an overcrowded court system.