alternative dispute resolution

ADR, method of conflict resolution which involves intervention by a third party mediator and strives to find an agreeable solution for both sides of the conflict

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) includes dispute resolution processes and techniques that fall outside of the government judicial process. Despite historic resistance to ADR by both parties and their advocates, ADR has gained widespread acceptance among both the general public and the legal profession in recent years. In fact, some courts now require some parties to resort to ADR of some type, usually mediation, before permitting the parties' cases to be tried. The rising popularity of ADR can be explained by the increasing caseload of traditional courts, the perception that ADR imposes fewer costs than litigation, a preference for confidentiality, and the desire of some parties to have greater control over the selection of the individual or individuals who will decide their dispute.
See more at Wikipedia.org...

Alternative Dispute Resolution: extra-judicial procedures used for resolving civil or commercial disputes. (See Alternative dispute resolution)

Also known as 'ADR'; methods by which legal conflicts and disputes are resolved privately and other than through litigation in the public courts, usually through one of two forms: mediation or arbitration. - (read more on Alternative dispute resolution)