Mequon Alternative Dispute Resolution Attorneys

Generally, this method is less costly than litigation. ADR provides a less adversarial process to divorce and is best suited for parties that wish to resolve the issue more quickly, discreetly, and with more control.

What is alternative dispute resolution (ADR)?

Disputes can arise in any area of our lives, in the workplace, in the neighborhood, in school, in business, and in families. Some of those disputes escalate to the point at which one side or the other looks to the court system for resolution, by starting a lawsuit. 

In recent years, professionals from a variety of backgrounds have collaborated to develop processes for resolving disputes outside of the court system. These processes are known collectively as “alternative dispute resolution,” or simply “ADR.”  The most commonly used ADR processes are arbitration and mediation. There are, however, other forms of ADR, including early neutral evaluation, moderated settlement conferences, focus groups, summary jury trials, mini-trials, and direct negotiation.  In the right situation, any of these ADR processes can be effective in resolving disputes, and they generally can do so faster and less expensively than if the dispute were processed in the court system. Our experienced ADR attorneys can help you select the ADR process that is best suited to your situation. 

What are the benefits of ADR?

The principal benefits of ADR are that it: 
  • saves time; 
  • saves legal expenses; 
  • provides the parties an opportunity for greater control over the dispute resolution process; 
  • allows parties to resolve their conflict in a more creative way than might be possible if it were left to a decision by a judge or jury; 
  • gives the parties greater privacy in resolving their dispute than is afforded in a public courtroom; 
  • reduces the emotional toll a lawsuit can take on everyone concerned; and 
  • can permit valued relationships among the parties to be preserved. 

Selecting the Appropriate ADR

A qualified divorce attorney at Kaplan will examine your situation and be able to recommend the most suitable ADR process for you. ​In addition, some Wisconsin counties have nonprofit conflict resolution centers associated with the court system. You can also contact the courthouse in your county to determine if such a service is available in your area.

ADR Resources

  • State Bar of Wisconsin’s Lawyer Referral and Information Service, (608) 257-4666 or (800) 362-9082, www.wisbar.org/lris. 
  • State Bar of Wisconsin’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Section, www.wisbar.org/sections/adr. 
  • State Bar of Wisconsin’s Fee Arbitration Program, (608) 257-3838. 
  • Wisconsin Association of Mediators, (608) 848-1970, www.wamediators.org. 
  • American Arbitration Association, (800) 778-7879., www.adr.org. 
  • Association for Conflict Resolution, (703) 234-4141; www.acrnet.org. 
  • CPR Institute for Dispute Resolution, (212) 949- 6490; www.cpradr.org. 

This is one in a series of consumer information pamphlets published by the State Bar of Wisconsin.
FAQ
Q. How much will the ADR cost?
A. The cost will all depend on nature of dispute and time invested for the third party who is hired for their service.
​
Q. When is it appropriate to use ADR?
A. - When a dispute first arises.
- Any point during the lawsuit
- After a trial has taken place and a decision has been redered
- During of after the appeal.

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