ADR Services

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is a process to end a problem without a judicial officer making a decision. This is the umbrella term describing different types of options for resolving your case. Services allow parties to maintain control over the outcome of their case, save time and money, and reduce litigation after the case is over. Disputes resolved by agreement generally result in fewer hearings after the case is over.

Sessions may be scheduled for 3 or 4 hours. Multiple sessions may be needed for full resolution.

Mediation

Parties meet and discuss their case to resolve issues without court involvement. The mediator does not give legal advice or make decisions. Mediation can be about the social (child related) and/or financial issues in a case.

Evaluative Mediation

Parties meet and discuss their case to resolve issues without court involvement. The mediator provides feedback and ideas but does not give legal advice or make decisions. Evaluative mediation can be about the social (child related) and/or financial issues in a case.

Financial Early Neutral Evaluation (FENE)

An expedited, voluntary, and confidential evaluation process designed to facilitate prompt dispute resolution of financial issues in divorce cases, including property and debt division, child support, and spousal maintenance. The neutral provides input to assist the parties in resolving the dispute. The opinion of the neutral may not be used in court. Parties are free to use the session to resolve issues and save resources.

Moderated Settlement Conference (MSC)

A process later in a case, sometimes at the pretrial hearing, where the neutral provides feedback about a case or issue to assist in resolving disputes to avoid a trial. The neutral may seek input from the assigned judicial officer. MSC can be about social (child related) and/or financial issues in a case.