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If you’re looking for a cost-effective and time-efficient resolution to your dispute, you’re in the right place. Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is becoming a more widespread process in the UK for precisely this reason. Also, many courts nowadays want to see evidence that ADR has been considered before a disputed matter is brought before the judge.
But, what form of ADR should you use and why?
For any further questions, please don’t hesitate to visit our alternative dispute resolution page or contact one of our trusted solicitors directly on 020 3007 5500.
What is ADR?
Before outlining the four main types of ADR, it’s essential to know what is meant by this term. ADR stands for alternative dispute resolution, which refers to the different processes of settling a dispute without using litigation and resorting to the courts.
ADR has become an increasingly attractive route for dispute resolution as it maintains privacy, which is ideal for people who may want to keep a dispute out of the public courts.
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The four types of alternative dispute resolution (ADR).
In the UK, there are four main types of ADR, which are negotiation, mediation, arbitration and conciliation.
Some forms of ADR aren’t legally binding. If an agreement isn’t legally binding, there is no legal enforcement on the agreement if one party decides to later change their mind. In this instance, the case will have to be brought back to court for a judge to make a legally binding decision.
Independent negotiation.
Negotiation is often the first option for those wishing to resolve a dispute. Simply because, in some cases, both parties can solve arguments by taking a ‘cards on the table’ approach and attempting to negotiate a compromise. If required, dispute resolution specialists can take instructions and negotiate on behalf of the parties.
This form of ADR is often overlooked because of how obvious it is. There is no impartial third party in negotiation to assist the parties with their negotiation, so the parties must work together to reach an agreement.
| Positives | Negatives |
|---|---|
| Can maintain a good relationship | Not legally binding |
| Inexpensive | Can be used as a stalling tactic |
| Fastest ADR process | No guarantee of a resolution |
| Allows privacy | No expert third party opinion |
Remember...
Independent negotiation is not legally binding.
Mediation.
A mediator is a jointly instructed neutral party. Their role is to assist with communication between the two parties having the dispute to achieve a settlement or resolution. The mediator will discuss the issues openly and try to help the parties reach an agreement, but will generally not offer their own opinions or assessment.
In some cases, the courts will insist that the parties will need to explore the mediation route before bringing a case in front of a judge. Furthermore, suppose a party refuses to seek mediation. In that case, the courts will take a lower view of that party and may penalise them with a costs order. A costs order is an instruction given by the court or tribunal regarding the payment of the costs. With a costs order, the court may issue that one party will pay part or all of the other party’s claim.
| Positives | Negatives |
|---|---|
| Parties can jointly choose a mediator | Not legally binding |
| Less expensive and faster than litigation | An incompetent mediator can hinder a resolution. |
| A neutral third party can help parties reach a fair agreement. | More expensive than negotiation |
| Allows privacy | To be legally binding, court enforcement is required. |
| Demonstrates a willingness to negotiate | Can become expensive |
Remember...
Mediation is not legally binding.
Conciliation.
Conciliation is a common form of ADR used for employment disputes. Furthermore, conciliation is a compulsory process before an employee wishes to bring a claim to the Employment Tribunal. The conciliator will discuss the issues and try to help the parties reach an agreement, often providing their own opinion after assessing the situation and the different arguments.
The conciliator’s opinion is used to help parties recognise their positions in the dispute and come to an agreement.
| Positives | Negatives |
|---|---|
| The conciliator is usually an expert in their disputed field. | Not legally binding |
| More cost-effective than taking a dispute to court | No resolution guaranteed |
| Maintains privacy | Parties may not take the process seriously |
Remember...
Conciliation is not legally binding.
Arbitration.
An arbitrator is a neutral third party who the parties have appointed to resolve the dispute. The arbitrator will be a specialist in the field where the dispute arises, for example, civil engineering.
Before an arbitrator makes a final decision, they will hear from both parties. However, in arbitration, you may not simply choose to have one arbitrator, as you can choose to have a panel of arbitrators presided over by a chairman.
When an arbitrator/s has come to a final decision that decision is legally binding, meaning the court can legally enforce it.
| Positives | Negatives |
|---|---|
| Legally binding | A judge won’t address unfair outcomes. |
| Faster and sometimes cheaper than litigation | Can be very expensive in some circumstances |
| Confidential process | Arbitration can take longer than litigation in some extreme instances. |
| Parties can jointly choose an expert to be an arbitrator. |
What happens if ADR is ineffective?
If ADR is ineffective, you will need to look in the direction of the adjudicative process. An adjudicative process is a legal process of bringing your claim to court.
Dependent on the type of dispute, you will need to take your case to one of the following courts:
- County Court
- High Court
- Tribunal System
- Court of Appeal
- Supreme Court
If you’re left considering the adjudicative process, a litigation solicitor can help manage your case properly and represent you in court, to ensure you get a fair resolution to your matter. For more information on how to proceed down the adjudicative route please visit our litigation page.
How can Britton and Time Solicitors help?
If you’re facing a disputed matter and looking for professional assistance, our firm is here to help. Our solicitors will ensure your matter reaches a fair resolution, either through ADR or the Adjudicative process. Therefore, you can be confident that you’re in safe hands.
For more information on the ADR process, please visit our alternative dispute resolution page or contact one of our solicitors directly on 020 3007 5500.
please correct the error in ‘therefore you can [BE] confident that you’re in safe hands’
The error is still there!
Thank you for pointing this out. This has now been corrected.
Simple and straightforward write up