Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Gwinnett County's ADR program was created to offer litigants, with cases filed in the Gwinnett County Courts, a variety of ways to resolve their disputes which may be preferable to trial. The program offers dispute resolution processes designed to provide litigants with a full range of choices. There are three primary processes available. Mediation, the most requested method of ADR in Gwinnett County, is a process in which a neutral third party facilitates settlement discussions between parties in conflict. Case evaluation is a process in which an experienced attorney gives advice on the strengths and weaknesses of each party's position and may make an assessment as to how a judge or jury might react in the case. Arbitration is more similar to a trial. The arbitrator issues a decision on the case following an abbreviated hearing under informal rules of evidence.
Qualifications Required for ADR Providers
To qualify as a neutral (ADR provider) for a court-annexed ADR program, you must first be registered with the Georgia Commission on Dispute Resolution - (Web Site) . Gwinnett County has additional educational and professional requirements which are addressed in Gwinnett County's ADR Standing Order. Questions regarding Gwinnett County's procedures and applications process may be directed to: Abby.Carter@gwinnettcounty.com or you may fax her at 770-822-8588.
Scheduling an ADR session
If you have a case filed with the Gwinnett County Courts and are interested in an ADR session,
- Contact the judge's office to which your case is assigned. The judge may require the consent of both parties before sending the case to an ADR process or the judge may order an ADR process at the request of one party.
- Obtain the judge's order assigning the case to an ADR process.
- All parties agree upon an ADR provider, date, and time within the frame specified by the judge. If you cannot agree, the court will appoint one for you. A list of ADR providers with a concise biography stating their professional and educational background and rate of charge may be found at this web site.
- Contact the Dispute Resolution Coordinator to schedule the ADR session. Sessions may be scheduled at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center at 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. weekdays. You may need to be prepared with an alternative date due to limited space.
ADR Program Standing Order
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ADR Program Standing Order |
