While previously every legal dispute was thought to end up in court, thanks to technology, there are alternate routes today with an emphasis on online dispute resolutions. The need for this mode of resolution has risen due to the high litigation costs associated with solving matters in court. To prevent individuals involved in the dispute to incur such high costs, Alternative Dispute Resolutions (ADR) has come into existence.
The crux of this route lies in letting a neutral third party, authorized by the court, to intervene. This individual addresses and observes all the conflict areas and then helps the people involved to reach an agreement. Sometimes, people choose this route to have an agreement in place before the formal proceedings take place.
Online Alternative Dispute Resolutions
Just as technology has revolutionized all the other areas, it has also affected the legal system. The Alternative Dispute Resolutions has now entered the online arena, and today people also have access to online resolution parties that can help them settle the matters without going to court. The procedure is the same except for the fact that all the communication takes place online. It is deemed to be more convenient and accessible for conflicting parties and is, therefore, becoming popular.
Types of Alternative Dispute Resolutions
There are several Alternative Dispute Resolutions; and while all of them have the same purpose, they differ in the way they are carried out. Here are the forms of ADR conducted:
- Arbitration
- Mediation
- Conciliation
- Negotiation
All of the above-mentioned types of ADR can also be conducted online by a neutral party. Generally, for this purpose, video conferencing or chat rooms are utilized to make the communication process smooth.
Why Choose the ADR Route?
There are many advantages to choosing Online ADR, including:
1. More Options & Control
The parties involved in the dispute have more autonomy in the case of online ADR when compared to their role in case proceedings. The language in which the communication will take place, and the expertise of the third party are all under the control of the parties. They can also determine the rules and laws that will be applicable pertaining to the procedures practiced during the ADR proceedings.
2. Less Costly & Reduced Period
When you are fighting a case in court, the expenses keep rising every second. Investing in expert witnesses and paying for attorney fees can significantly hurt the parties’ financial situation. Also, since the duration of the case is not under the control of the parties involved, there is no other way to speed up the process. However, in the case of an online ADR route, the parties can use their control over the proceedings to have a decision earlier and resolve the matter. This translates into reduced costs.
3. Same Standards & Better Results
People, who wish to keep the developments and proceedings private and confidential, can do so in online ADR methods. Therefore, the parties do not have to worry about the reaction of the public and can focus on only resolving the dispute. This results in a more co-operative response from both the parties and arriving at an outcome become easier than in court proceedings. Moreover, the online ADR route requires the stakeholders to follow a number of principles, not limited to but including:
- Accessibility
- Accountability
- Competence
- Confidentiality
- Empowerment
- Equality
- Fairness
- Honesty
- Impartiality
- Informed Participation
Conclusion
Online Alternative Dispute Resolutions has opened doors to a convenient and flexible resolution for parties in the middle of a dispute. With such a route, parties can be confident about reaching a decision that is suitable for everyone involved without having to go through the grueling court proceedings.
