ADR

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is the name given to the process where parties in a dispute come to a compromise (or settle their dispute) without going to court.  The main reason people use ADR is to save the expense of using the courts and solicitors.   There are four main forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution: Negotiation Mediation Conciliation Arbitration 

Negotiation -  This is the simplest form of ADR.  Where two people have a dispute they can negotiate a solution themselves.  The advantages to the parties involved are that it is completely private and it's fast and cheap. Where parties to a dispute cannot settle it themselves they may instruct solicitors who will negotiate on their behalf.  Even when negotiation fails at these early stages of a dispute and court proceedings start, solicitors will usually continue to negotiate on their client's behalf.  This results in many cases being settled out of court.  

 Mediation -  This is where a neutral person (the mediator) helps the parties to reach a compromise.  The job of the mediator is to consult with each party and see how much common ground there is between them.  S/he should act as a facilitator, taking offers between the parties.  The mediator doesn't offer an opinion.  Mediation is most suitable where there is…