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Alternative Dispute Resolution Programs

Alternative Dispute Resolution is a way for people to try to solve disagreements outside a traditional trial court process. In Oregon, arbitration and mediation are the most common Alternative Dispute Resolution methods. 

Arbitration

Arbitration is similar to a formal trial, but instead of a judge, a neutral person called an arbitrator decides the outcome. The arbitrator meets with both sides, listens to the evidence, and then makes a decision. Arbitrators are usually lawyers or retired judges. 

Mediation

Mediation is a process in which a trained, neutral person called a mediator helps people communicate and explore possible solutions to a dispute. Mediators do not take sides and cannot decide how a dispute will be resolved. When a judge is the mediator, the process is often called a judicial settlement conference. 



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