SETTLEMENTS AND SOLUTIONS

Many companies and individuals are turning to alternative dispute resolution (ADR) as a way to settle disputes. They recognize that a time consuming and expensive journey through the courts in search of a settlement to a dispute often results in no true ‘winner' and has uncontrollable risk factors associated with it. ADR includes a number of procedures which make use of a neutral third party to facilitate settlement of a dispute. These include mediation, fact finding, case evaluation, negotiation and arbitration... While not a new concept, ADR has recently gained increased attention as many of the nation's largest and most successful companies have turned to ADR rather than the courts. And ADR offers the same benefits to small companies and individuals as well. Smaller and mid-sized companies as well as those operated by families recognize that relationships must be preserved in order to continue doing business after a dispute is settled... The process can be initiated by any..