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Alternative Dispute Resolution

Alternative Dispute Resolution ("ADR") processes are alternative methods of helping people resolve legal problems before going to court. ADR involves an independent third person, called a "neutral" who tries to help resolve or narrow the areas of conflict. 

The use of ADR early in a case can result in the more efficient, cost-effective resolution of disputes with greater satisfaction to the parties. A great majority of the civil cases, including marital dissolutions (divorces), filed in Minnesota state courts are settled by using ADR. 

Minnesota courts recognize the effectiveness of ADR as a tool for settling disputes. In response, the courts provide parties and their attorneys, if parties are represented, with ADR information when they file a civil case. ADR in the MN State Court System provides an overview of the ADR process. The brochure is available in Word or in Rich Text.