Welcome to the Alternative Dispute Resolution Programs

In recent years, courts across the country have experienced increasing demand for alternatives to litigation.   Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods such as mediation, settlement facilitation and arbitration have proven successful in resolving a wide variety of disputes.  By using these methods, people not only can save time and money, but also become more directly involved in the resolution of their dispute.

The Third District Court administers three ADR programs: one Domestic Relations Mediation program, and two civil programs including Settlement Facilitation and Water Law Mediation. 

In each ADR program, the pool of mediators/settlement facilitators consists of both practicing and non-practicing attorney as well as non-attorneys.

The court’s Local Rules: LR3-401 and LR3-601 NMRA outline the ADR Programs. All parties are required by the court to follow the local rules in pursuing their case.