Alternative Dispute Resolution

Not every claim has to be pursued through court nor is it always appropriate to do so. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) refers to private resolution that parties to a dispute can participate in as an alternative to going to court. Wherever possible, parties are encouraged to try to resolve their disputes using ADR and a party who unreasonably refuses to participate in ADR when the opportunity presents itself can be penalised by the Court with a financial penalty.

ADR is often a faster and cheaper way of resolving disputes quickly without the stress of court proceedings. It is also used where clients wish to preserve relationships or to avoid the adverse publicity that may accompany a dispute.