Dealing with any legal matter can be unnerving. It can take a toll emotionally, mentally, and financially. For some the idea of going to trial for any reason may be even more intimidating. The good news is that not all legal matters have to go to trial. Alternative Dispute Resolution is an umbrella term defining a few ways to help people resolve legal disputes without having to go to trial; and in many cases, not even having to file litigation papers in the first place. The purpose of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is for disputing parties to come together and create their own agreements within a contract or other legal document outside of the courtroom. Even when parties cannot agree, binding arbitration can provide a less formal setting for resolution.
Think of Alternative Dispute Resolution options in terms of least stress-inducing to most stress-inducing. At the lowest level, is the Starbucks method. The parties sit down with a pen and paper at the local coffee shop, discuss and make a list of each of the points of agreement. If it’s not quite that simple, you can choose an up-front mediator. This is a person who will sit down with the parties and help them try to reach an agreement. Although frequently a lawyer, this person does not represent either party. If unsuccessful, mediation can occur later in the process. Thorough document exchange and other disclosure will have been completed and each party is represented by an attorney. Finally, the most stress-inducing of all of the ADR processes is arbitration. An arbitrator’s decision will be binding upon the parties just as a court order.
Additional benefits of Alternative Dispute Resolution include a more expedited process and a more cost-effective resolution to a legal matter. The process allows for collaboration and more creative and specific needs solutions on the part of both parties in coming to agreements, settlements, and compromises to reach a thorough, binding agreement.
When facing any type of legal issues, such as family law, many individuals agree to seek either their own experienced family law attorney, family law specialist, or family law office. This is true with all of the issues that arise during a marital dissolution including: legal separation, divorce, equitable distribution, spousal support, alimony, child support, child custody, visitation, and more. Family law and divorce lawyers or domestic lawyers can provide knowledge and support through your family law and ADR process. At the Law Office of Stephen E. Robertson, we provide all manner of family law legal assistance. Stephen E. Robertson is a Family Law Attorney in Greensboro NC and a highly regarded Greensboro Divorce Lawyer. He serves the following North Carolina counties: Guilford, Rockingham, Randolph, Forsyth, Davidson, Alamance, and surrounding communities. For more information, contact our office at info@stevelawfirm.com.
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