Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is the collective term for settling civil disputes with the help of an independent third party and without the need for a formal court hearing. Alternatives to litigation include: mediation, ombudsmen schemes and arbitration. In relevant circumstances, ADR schemes may offer certain advantages over going to court in that they can be more flexible, quicker, less stressful and less expensive.
Mediation and other alternatives to court (80 KB , PDF)
Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is the collective term for settling civil disputes with the help of an independent third party and without the need for a formal court hearing. Alternatives to litigation include: mediation, ombudsmen schemes and arbitration. In relevant circumstances, ADR schemes may offer certain advantages over going to court in that they can be more flexible, quicker, less stressful and less expensive.
Anyone seeking to use an ADR scheme should consider taking legal advice. Legal advice should be given by a suitably qualified person with professional liability insurance. A separate Library standard note, SN/HA/3207, Legal help: where to go and how to pay includes information about sources of legal help.
The Library is unable to endorse or take responsibility for the content of any website, directory or publication mentioned in this note.
Mediation and other alternatives to court (80 KB , PDF)
This Commons Library briefing paper deals with where couples may get married in England and Wales, with a very short summary of the position in Scotland. It also deals with Law Commission recommendations for the reform of weddings law.
Statistics on the fees in a child maintenance application, and the enforcement steps taken when child maintenance is not paid on time or in full.
There will be a debate on International Men’s Day on Thursday 17 November. The debate will be led by Nick Fletcher MP (Conservative).
