"Alternative Dispute Resolution" (ADR) is the term used to describe all the other options available for settling a dispute that once had to be settled in court. ADR processes such as arbitration, mediation and settlement conferences are less formal than court and provide opportunities for litigants to reach an agreement using a problem-solving approach rather than the more adversarial approach of litigation.

What Is Alternative Dispute Resolution?	ADR Referral
There Are Options To Litigation What Are My Options?	What Cases Are Appropriate For ADR? How Are Cases Referred To ADR?
ADR Process	Preparing For The Mediation Process
How Is The Process Initiated? How Are ADR Neutrals Selected? How Neutrals Are Notified And How ADR Hearings Are Scheduled How Much Will It Cost? How Long Does It Take? Requests For ADR Hearing Continuances ADR Completion Dates What Are My Responsibilities If A Case Settles Before The ADR Session? What Are My Responsibilities After The ADR Session?	Who Must Attend The Mediation? What Is The Role Of The Mediator? How To Prepare For The Mediation Submission Of Briefs What To Expect At The Mediation Conference Discovery During Mediation
Preparing For The Arbitration Process	Neutral Evaluation
Who Must Attend The Arbitration? What Is The Role Of The Arbitrator? How To Prepare For the Arbitration Submission Of Briefs What To Expect At the Arbitration Hearing Discovery After Assignment of Arbitrator Award Of Arbitrator Judgment/Trial De Novo	What is Neutral Evaluation? Goals Process Voluntary and Confidential Submission of Written Statements The Neutral Evaluator How to Start the Neutral Evaluation Process Appropriate Cases for Neutral Evaluation Cost Different from Mediation and Arbitration
Statutes Pertaining to ADR
Business and Professions Code Code Of Civil Procedure Evidence Code Government Code California Rules Of Court Local Rules