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Alternative Dispute Resolution

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is a term used to describe a range of options designed to provide a way of resolving a dispute or complaint as an alternative to courts or tribunals. For many people, going to court can be expensive, stressful, time-consuming or present risks. In many instances, ADR can offer a flexible, accessible and cost-effective way for people to resolve their problems.

The most common and widely used forms of ADR are arbitration, mediation and public or private sector ombudsmen schemes.

In recent years, ADR has been promoted by the government a key way to resolve many disputes. We have compiled this quick guide of the key information leaflets and web-based resources available on the topic as a guide for advisers and the public to enable people to make informed decisions.

We have also included information on family mediation which may be relevant if you or your client is experiencing a relationship breakdown and how this can be dealt with without going to court.

Each of the resources listed contain extensive relevant details of dispute resolution services and sources of further help and how to contact them.

ADRnow website

www.ADRnow.org.uk

The ADRnow website was launched by the Advice Services Alliance in 2004. It is independent from government and from and ADR providers. It is a comprehensive, independent and easy to access - it can be easily used by advisers or the public alike.

The website contains lots of useful information on types of ADR in dealing with the following issues:

It also contains guidance on aspects such as achieving the best outcome, best process, tips to consider and research on ADR.

Key questions advisers and the public often access the site to resolve include:

The website has a site search box to ease access to information required. There is also a very comprehensive Directory of a wide range of ADR services that are available locally and nationally.

A Practical Guide to ADR

Information leaflet produced by the Advice Services Alliance thumbnail image of this document

This A5 booklet was produced by the Advice Services Alliance in May 2005. The guide is mainly aimed at advisers and effectively collates a range of information on different legal problems and how to contact providers. For further information on the booklet, downlaod in pdf format (size approx 50Kb)

Copies of the booklet cost £5.00 and can be obtained by contacting the Advice Services Alliance on 020 7378 6428 or at:

Advice Services Alliance
12th Floor, New London Bridge House,
25 London Bridge Street, London SE1 9ST

Alternatives to Court

Information leaflet no. 23 produced by CLS Direct thumbnail image of this document

  www.clsdirect.org.uk

This is a clear, detailed guide aimed at informing members of the public as to the wide range of options available to them. The leaflet was last updated in November 2005 and has been produced by the Legal Services Commission's CLS Direct team in association with the Advice Services Alliance.

The leaflet includes:

The leaflets are also available in Welsh, Braille and Audio.

The leaflet is available online and can be downloaded from the CLS Direct website. Copies can also be obtained from the LSC leaflet line on 0845 3000 343. For ease of reference we have also included a downloadable copy of the leaflet here.

Family mediation

Information leaflet no. 24 produced by CLS Direct thumbnail image of this document

www.clsdirect.org.uk

This is a clear, detailed guide aimed at informing members of the public as to the options available to them when a relationship is breaking down. The leaflet was last updated in April 2005 and has been produced by the Legal Services Commission's CLS Direct team in association with the UK College of Family Mediators.

The leaflet includes:

The leaflets are also available in Welsh, Braille and Audio.

The leaflet is available online and can be downloaded from the CLS Direct website. Copies can also be obtained from the LSC leaflet line on 0845 3000 343. For ease of reference we have also included a downloadable copy of the leaflet here.

There are other CLS Direct information leaflets that you may be interested in if you are experiencing a relationship breakdown: