Alternative Dispute Resolution

Disputes are normal as there are times where things do not go your way or when you have a different view or opinion with someone about matters such as:

• Goals and priorities
• How you communicate
• The way things should be done
• Beliefs

There are many ways for you to respond to a dispute and this includes Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). ADR is a dispute resolution where an independent person (a legal practitioner or a mediator) helps people in dispute to try to sort out the issues between them. ADR can help people to resolve a dispute before it becomes a matter to be brought before the court or tribunal. ADR can be used for almost any kind of dispute; even those that would never go to a court or tribunal.

There are many different types of ADR that are commonly used such as mediation, conciliation, neutral evaluation, and arbitration.

Benefits of ADR

Using ADR to resolve your dispute can benefit everyone. As resolving your dispute through ADR is different from asking a court or tribunal to resolve your dispute, this means that courts and tribunals can spend their time to focus on disputes that need a court or tribunal decision. Some of the benefits of ADR includes:

• As ADR processes can be made to suit your particular dispute, it is generally more flexible than going to Court.
• Privacy and confidentiality. Hearings and decisions of Courts and Tribunals (including the reasons for the decision) are usually public.
• Cost effective. Going to a court can be very expensive. Although, Tribunals can be less expensive, it can still involve hearings and legal costs if you are represented.
• Faster in obtaining an outcome. A dispute can often be resolved in a matter of months, even weeks through ADR, while a legal proceeding can take years.
• Focus on what is important to you. ADR processes and outcomes focus on what is important to you and the other people involved while Courts and Tribunals focus on legal rights. ADR processes may also help you and the other people involved to maintain relationships.

Legal practitioners are trained to help you and the other people involved to work toward a solution.

Straits Lawyers have legal practitioners that can assist you with your dispute. If you are anticipating ADR or would like to know more about the mediation process or find out more about your rights and options, Straits Lawyers are here to help. Simply send us an email at info@straitslawyers.com or give us a call on 8410 9069 to arrange an appointment for an online interview.

Please note that this article does not constitute legal advice and Straits Lawyers will not be legally responsible for any actions you take based on this article.