Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

The traditional method to resolve legal disputes in the area of matrimonial, domestic relations, or family law matters is contested litigation through the court system. This process can be time consuming and expensive. Two alternatives to this process are mediation and arbitration, generally known as alternative dispute resolution

Divorce and custody disputes do not require the courtroom to be legally binding. In fact, a growing number of people are opting to conduct their divorce, support or custody proceedings in a private setting such as Potts, Shoemaker & Grossman, LLC, thereby easing the burden of costly, time-consuming and intimidating court appearances. 

Potts, Shoemaker & Grossman, LLC is committed to the resolution of domestic relations disputes through the most efficient means to reach the parties’ goals, whether by agreement or arbitration award. Many people seek Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) services to ensure a decision that is both quick and fair. We will help find a solution to resolve the matters and facilitate an agreement between all parties. 

Benefits of Alternative Dispute Resolution including arbitration and mediation solutions:

  • Divorcing parties select an Arbitrator or Mediator, who may have specific expertise in the area where the dispute lies, such as taxes, real estate or business valuation.
  • The Arbitration or Mediation will be scheduled at a time convenient for the parties, and need not be limited by the judges’ or court’s calendar.
  • The Arbitration or Mediation will be conducted in a private, confidential setting.
  • An efficient resolution will result in significant costs savings and reduce legal fees.

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    Additional Resources

    Videos

    Mediation vs. Arbitration

    What is Arbitration?

    Blog Posts

    Should the Mediator Draft the Divorce Agreement?

    The below article was written by attorneys Rochelle B. Grossman and Carolyn Moran Zack and was published in the American Bar Association’s Family Advocate, Volume 46, No 2, Fall 2023. If you are having trouble reading, click the page of the article to open as a PDF in a new tab.

    Arbitration: Myths and Realities

    *This article was originally published in Pennsylvania Family Lawyer, Volume 42, Issue No. 4 MYTH #1: Arbitration costs more than litigation. REALITY: A poorly managed arbitration can cost more than litigation; however, the efficiencies and flexibility of the process offset the added fees for the arbitrator, making arbitration less costly than litigation. The process is streamlined….

    Cooperative Divorce – Keep Options Open

    By nature, divorce can be, at best, a difficult and expensive process. From the inherent emotionality of child custody and relocation, to the complexities associated with the distribution of assets and spousal support, the legal costs of dissolving the marriage can leave each party with a fraction of the marital estate they created. Litigation costs…

    Collaborative Divorce – Keep Out of Court

    By nature, divorce can be, at best, a difficult and expensive process. From the inherent emotionality of child custody and relocation, to the complexities associated with the distribution of assets and spousal support, the legal costs of dissolving the marriage can leave each party with a fraction of the marital estate they created. Litigation costs…

    Early Neutral Evaluation – Test the Waters

    By nature, divorce can be, at best, a difficult and expensive process. From the inherent emotionality of child custody and relocation, to the complexities associated with the distribution of assets and spousal support, the legal costs of dissolving the marriage can leave each party with a fraction of the marital estate they created. Litigation costs…

    Arbitration Process: Selecting a Judge for Resolution

    By nature, divorce can be, at best, a difficult and expensive process. From the inherent emotionality of child custody and relocation, to the complexities associated with the distribution of assets and spousal support, the legal costs of dissolving the marriage can leave each party with a fraction of the marital estate they created. Litigation costs…

    Mediation Process: Give Peace a Chance

    By nature, divorce can be, at best, a difficult and expensive process. From the inherent emotionality of child custody and relocation, to the complexities associated with the distribution of assets and spousal support, the legal costs of dissolving the marriage can leave each party with a fraction of the marital estate they created. Litigation costs…

    ADR during COVID-19

    As I write this, the court systems have been shut down for all but emergencies by the COVID-19 pandemic for the past eight weeks. In addition to the denial of case resolution and turmoil for children caught in limbo amidst their parents’ custody differences, the closure of courts has caused a reduction in revenue for…