Our legal system is perceived to resolve disputes by trial, but many cases are resolved without filing suit or going to trial. Other processes are available which may meet the needs of parties. In deciding how much time, effort and expense to dedicate to resolving your dispute, it is wise to consider the costs and benefits of the process you will utilize. Some processes are more expensive and time consuming than others.
Litigation is considered one of the most expensive and time-consuming alternatives.
Dispute resolution techniques that take a constructive, problem-solving approach to resolving conflict are more likely to preserve valuable relationships than a completely adversarial process. Parties committed to a mutually acceptable resolution are also more likely to comply with the terms of settlement. A judge or judicial circuit may establish an alternative dispute resolution program for disposition before trial of certain civil cases with the goal of saving time and expenses to litigants. The right to a trial is preserved in the event a satisfactory settlement is not achieved through the alternate dispute resolution process. All of these processes may be used before trial or even before filing suit, if the parties desire it.