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Alternative dispute resolution

Home » Get Help and Advice » A-Z of Terms » Alternative dispute resolution

Under 1 minute read

This is a means of seeking to resolve a dispute without going to court. This can be a more helpful way of the parties working out the issue between them.

Family group conferences and family mediation are examples of alternative dispute resolution. Both processes involve trained people who do not take sides, but try to help find a way forward.

During court proceedings, a judge may adjourn (i.e. pause) a case to give the parties a chance to try alternative dispute resolution. However, the judge cannot make them do this if they do not want to.

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