This option is only available for cases that are filed with the court. This option uses a court official to help the parties settle the case. Any time before a regular jury trial, many judges, lawyers, and parties request a settlement conference to give everyone a chance to avoid going to trial. This option involves presenting a case to a neutral person who makes a decision. As in a regular public court trial, the control of the case is with somebody else instead of the parties with the legal problem.
Arbitration takes many forms, and is usually binding.
Court-ordered arbitration however, can be appealed. State law and local court rules provide for mandatory arbitration of small cases. Many people worry that if they use an alternative to a court process they can't force the other side to comply with the solution. The parties involved can agree in advance to turn the solution of the problem into a legal contract or court order. The dispute resolution service provider, or a lawyer can help in this process.