Introduction
Alternative dispute resolution describes a number of procedures designed to resolve disputes without resorting to trial. ADR is not a substantive area of law, but rather a set of methods.
Most ADR procedures are connected to the courts, though some ADR occurs in the private sector without any connection to the courts.
In Georgia, court connected ADR is loosely regulated by the Georgia Office on Dispute Resolution. The GCDR registers neutrals in certain recognized categories. Court-connected mediation session are administered at the county or regional level.
Recent Georgia Supreme Court Decisions:
- E.I. Dupont De Nemours & Company v. Waters et al. (Ga. 2010) (outlines procedures for appointing special master in products liability class action with voluminous discovery) More Information & Full Text
- Brookfield Country Club, Inc. v. St. James-Brookfield, LLC (Ga. 2010) (parties cannot contractually agree to expand grounds for vacating arbitrator's award) More Information & Full Text
Top Rated Alternative Dispute Resolution Resources:
Individuals may represent themselves in legal matters. Self-help should be considered when possible adverse consequences are relatively modest.
ADR Options for Alternative Dispute Resolution:
- Mediation: Mediation is a recommended approach to resolving legal disputes before resorting to adversarial litigation. Mediation FAQ
- Arbitration: Arbitration is generally less expensive and time consuming than traditional litigation. Georgia law authorizes arbitration of a wide range of disputes. Arbitration FAQ
- Hybrid Mediation-Arbitration: Hybrid mediation-arbitration provides parties an opportunity to reach a voluntary settlement of some or all issues in dispute followed by arbitration of issues that the parties are unable to settle voluntarily.
- Case Evaluation: Case evaluation is an alternative dispute resolution method that is useful in the early stages of litigation.
- Discovery Audits or Masters: Discovery auditing service is available for litigated cases to help resolve complex discovery issues effectively.
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Additional Resources:
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