The most popular form of A.D.R. is mediation. Mediation involves a neutral party working with both parties to resolve their dispute. Mediation does not impose a decision on the parties: if the parties cannot reach an agreement, the litigation proceeds forward.

At present A.D.R. is mandatory for case managed actions in Ontario.

Mediation is required to take place 90 days after the first statement of defence is filed. The intention is to resolve disputes before the expense of examinations for discovery (depositions in the U.S.A.) is incurred.

View a paper on A.D.R.