Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

The legal system came into being as a civilised alternative to more primitive means of dispute resolution. However, it is often now seen as too adversarial, costly, unpredictable, rigid, over-professionalised, damaging to relationships and limited to narrow rights-based remedies rather than creative problem-solving. Alternatives to going to law have therefore been developed, collectively known as Alternative or Appropriate Dispute Resolution, or "ADR" for short.

The main form of ADR is mediation, currently regulated by the Civil Mediation Council. Organisations providing ADR services include Dispute Resolution Agency, CEDR (the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution), the ADR Group, and adjudication.co.uk. Of course, you can also find your own mediator, such as myself.