Alternative Dispute Resolution

Negotiation is a common bargaining tool in which two or more parties attempt to resolve their dispute informally, with or without attorneys present. Being the most informal and non-binding form of ADR, negotiation is the easiest way to resolve a dispute.

Mediation is similar to negotiation, but includes a neutral third party, or facilitator, to oversee communication between two or more parties. The mediator is not empowered to impose a decision upon the parties. All negotiations are outside of the court system and final decisions are not binding until all parties consent.

Arbitration involves use of a private "judge" or panel of "judges" who receive testimony from both sides and present a decision (award) that is, typically, binding. Parties have the choice to enter into either binding or non-binding arbitration.