Court ADR Programs

Portico of the courthouse at 60 Centre Street in New York City

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is a key component of the civil justice process. Courts throughout the New York State Unified Court System rely on mediation, and other forms of ADR, as an efficient and cost-effective way to resolve disputes in appropriate cases. Various local and statewide ADR programs are available to court users (see below).

Typically, the court refers parties on a case to an ADR process (like mediation or arbitration), and the service is provided by:

• A judge
• A non-judicial court staff person
• A roster neutral
• A Community Dispute Resolution Center

In most cases, parties have the right to select their own private neutral.

If you have a case already in court, you may want to discuss mediation and other alternative dispute resolution (ADR) options with your lawyer. If you need help finding a lawyer, you may want to visit CourtHelp or call your local bar association.

If you are interested in resolving your dispute through mediation, you may find a mediator in the Statewide Mediator Directory, or ask court staff for a referral. Free or reduced-fee mediation services may be available in the courthouse where you have a case or through your local CDRC.
 

 Find a Local Court ADR Program

 
The Northern end of Lake George and the Tongue Mountain Range seen from a lookout on Black Mountain in the Adirondack Mountains of New York   View of Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline - New York City downtown, photographed from Manhattan Bridge
Outside New York City   Inside New York City
 

 Statewide ADR Programs