What types of court cases can be referred for alternative dispute resolution?
Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) can be used successfully in almost any type of case where the parties are willing to work toward a resolution. Parties to a dispute may use a private program to resolve the dispute before filing a claim in court for any matter on which the parties jointly agree to pursue ADR. Once a claim is filed in court, the parties are subject to the restrictions placed on ADR by the court in which the claim is filed. Parties should check with the court to determine whether the court requires, permits, or restricts ADR in any particular type of matter. Many courts offer court-annexed ADR programs for small-claims, civil, family, juvenile, probate, and restorative-justice matters; in some states, limited appellate- and criminal-case ADR is also available.
