When people think about resolving a legal dispute, the courtroom is often the first thing that comes to mind. But for many family law matters, there is a more collaborative, efficient, and often less stressful path available. It is called Alternative Dispute Resolution, or ADR, and it has been helping North Carolina families find workable solutions for decades.
A Brief History of ADR in North Carolina
ADR first came to North Carolina in the 1980s, when a pilot program was launched to help move cases along and reduce the size of court dockets. Since that time, it has proven to be a tremendous success in our state and across the country. At its core, ADR refers to a set of methods designed to help parties reach a compromise on the conflicting issues in their case, often without the need for a full courtroom trial.
The Three Main Forms of ADR
While there are many ways to resolve a legal dispute, the three best-known ADR methods are mediation, arbitration, and a combination of the two.
Arbitration is a “mini-trial” where the parties and/or their counsel informally present their sides and evidence to an Arbitrator, who ultimately renders a decision on the issues. The parties agree in advance whether the arbitration will be binding or non-binding.
Mediation is a joint endeavor where the parties, with or without attorneys, try to reach a compromise and capture that compromise in a written agreement signed by all parties.
Mediation/Arbitration is a blend of both processes, with an agreed-upon transition point to shift from mediation to arbitration in order to reach a decision on the remaining issues in the case.
Why Choose ADR?
One of the most significant benefits of ADR is that it puts decision-making power back in the hands of the people who know the situation best: you and the other party. After all, no one understands the full picture of your case the way you do. ADR can reduce conflict, increase stability, and preserve valuable resources, including your time, your finances, and your peace of mind.
Compared to traditional litigation, ADR often offers greater flexibility in scheduling and process, more control over the outcome, a less adversarial environment (which can be especially important when children are involved), faster resolution than waiting for a court date, and potential cost savings compared to extended litigation.
How Eatmon Law Firm, PC Can Help
At Eatmon Law Firm, PC, Christine Eatmon and Tamara Brooks are skilled practitioners of ADR. They believe in the process and work diligently to support its success, because when ADR works well, it can truly reduce conflict, increase stability for families, and help preserve the resources that matter most to you.
Whether you need a skilled Arbitrator to render a decision, a qualified Mediator to guide you and the other party toward common ground, or a combination of both, Christine and Tamara are ready to assist. Their goal is to help you navigate the process as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible, while keeping your family’s best interests at the forefront.
If you have questions about ADR or would like to explore whether mediation or arbitration may be a good fit for your situation, contact Eatmon Law Firm, PC today to schedule a consultation.