Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Mediation / Arbitration
What is Alternative Dispute Resolution?
Formal litigation - suing someone in court - has been used to resolve civil disputes for centuries. This traditional method of resolving disputes can be costly and time consuming. Many people don't know that there is another way of resolving disputes without going to court: it's called alternative dispute resolution.
Mediation and arbitration are two alternative dispute resolution processes available through the courts. These methods can be faster, less expensive, and more satisfying than litigation.
Information about Mediation Services
The Alternative Dispute Resolution programs encourage the use of ADR to the extent that it serves the interests of the involved parties. It is not intended to replace traditional litigation, only to supplement it, and to provide more flexibility in resolving disputes. The court has several mediation programs (
PDF) overseen by the ADR department. To learn more about medation and arbitration processes please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Mediation Services
If you are a party to a dispute and need information on mediation services please choose one of the following:
My case is in the District Court- I am in the process of filing for a divorce which is contested by my spouse
- I am involved in a parent-time dispute which is currently before a 3rd District Court (Salt Lake, Tooele or Summit County) Commissioner/Judge
- I am involved in a Probate case in the 3rd District (Salt Lake, Tooele or Summit County)
- I am involved in a civil case and would like more information about mediation and arbitration
- I have a Law and Motion case currently pending in West Jordan or Bountiful
- I am involved in a small claims case currently pending in Justice Court
- I am involved in a Landlord/tenant case in the 3rd District
- None of the above apply to my case
If your dispute is not involved in a case that is currently pending before the Court, or does not fall under a Court Sponsored Mediation program (
PDF) where a mediator is provided, you may contact a mediator on your own to help resolve your dispute. You can find information on mediators, including fees, by clicking on the name of a mediator or arbitrator on the court roster. If you require financial assistance, Utah Dispute Resolution (utahdisputeresolution.org) is a non-profit community mediation center that provides mediation services on a sliding fee scale.
- I am involved in a child welfare case involving the Division of Child and Family Services or a private petition that has been filed in the Juvenile Court regarding a protective order, custody, visitation or a Petition to Terminate Parental Rights
- I am a victim or offender on a case involving a crime that was committed by a juvenile
- I am involved in a truancy case
- None of the above apply to my case
If your dispute is not involved in a case that is currently pending before the Court, or does not fall under a Court Sponsored Mediation program (
PDF) where a mediator is provided, you may contact a mediator on your own to help resolve your dispute. You can find information on mediators, including fees, by clicking on the name of a mediator or arbitrator on the court roster. If you require financial assistance, Utah Dispute Resolution (utahdisputeresolution.org) is a non-profit community mediation center that provides mediation services on a sliding fee scale.
None of the above apply to my case
If your dispute is not involved in a case that is currently pending before the Court, or does not fall under a Court Sponsored Mediation program (
Information for Mediators and Arbitrators
If you are a mediator or arbitrator currently on the court roster or if you are interested in applying to be on the roster please visit the Mediator/Arbitrator section.