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 four ADR programs: one Domestic Relations Mediation program, and three civil programs including Settlement Facilitation, Arbitration and Water Law Mediation. The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) administers the Children’s Court Mediation Program with the Regional Coordinator housed at the Third Judicial District Court. 

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: LR3-703 through LR3-710 outline the ADR Programs. All parties are required by the court to follow the local rules in pursuing their case.