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Settle a Case Out of Court (ADR)

Going to court is not always the best way to solve a legal dispute because it can be costly, time-consuming and very stressful. Other ways to solve legal problems are called "alternative dispute resolution" or ADR. Common types of ADR include mediation, arbitration, and neutral evaluation.

Reasons to use ADR

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• an independent, neutral third person (a "neutral") listens to the facts from all sides and tries to focus on the core issues
• a settlement can often be reached more quickly than in a court process
• parties can save money by using ADR rather than going to court, which may involve attorneys fees and other costs
• parties are often more satisfied with the outcome of ADR, especially if thedispute involves family members

• a law or court order might require the parties to use ADR

About Mediation and ADR

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• Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE) in Family Court Cases
  For parents who are getting divorced, this statewide program connects parents with judges and evaluators early in the court process to give them an opportunity to settle their legal issues. Parties can choose to participate in one or both types of ENE: a Financial ENE (FENE) to settle financial disputes; and Social ENE (SENE) to settle custody and parenting time issues involving their children.
• Frequently Asked Questions on ADR
• Mediation, Arbitration & Collaborative Law (Nolo Press)
• Mediation of Family Court Appeals (MN Court of Appeals)

ADR Service Providers

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• ADR Roster of Neutrals in MN (list of providers who can do ADR in MN)
• Community Mediation Services, Inc. (formerly North Hennepin Mediation Program)
• Conflict Resolution Center
  (for residents and businesses in Minneapolis, St. Anthony, Edina, Bloomington, Burnsville, Richfield, and Eden Prairie)
• Mediation and Conflict Solutions (for residents and businesses in Olmsted County)
• Mediation Center for Dispute Resolution (Hamline University School of Law)
• Mediation Services for Anoka County (for residents and businesses in Anoka County)
• Alternative Dispute Resolution Section Directory (MN State Bar Association)

NOTE: The Minnesota Judicial Branch makes no endorsement or warranty of quality of services by linking to an organization from this website.

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