Alternative Dispute Resolution
Also known as: ADR
Methods of resolving disputes outside of traditional court litigation, including mediation, arbitration, and negotiation. ADR is generally faster, less expensive, and less adversarial than going to court. Many states require HOAs and homeowners to attempt ADR before filing a lawsuit. ADR can be voluntary or mandatory, binding or non-binding, depending on the method and applicable law.
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of ADR are available for HOA disputes?
The most common forms are mediation (a neutral facilitator helps parties negotiate a solution) and arbitration (a neutral decision-maker issues a ruling). California also provides internal dispute resolution (IDR), where the homeowner meets directly with a board member to try to resolve the matter. ADR is generally faster and less expensive than court litigation.