Choosing a Dispute Resolution Program You may want to contact several different dispute resolution programs to find the best one for your needs. The following questions may help you compare programs. Courts in more than 20 states, however, may order both sides in consumer cases to try arbitration or, in some cases, mediation. If you choose mediation, you probably will have to attend meetings. If you use arbitration, you probably will have to appear for hearings.
Some programs begin with mediation and, if no decision can be reached, progress to arbitration.
Other programs resolve disputes on the basis of written submissions, without your needing to appear at meetings or hearings. You then can choose who will help you settle the dispute. Some states have specific requirements for neutrals. Ask the program administrators for the ethics rules. Most programs make sure that neutrals are not personally involved in the dispute and will not benefit from the resolution.