Use of ADR can speed up settlement, which means less cost, time and stress than would be involved in taking matters to court. Moreover, the parties make the decisions and do not have to hand over control to a judge or arbitrator. When successful, mediation can produce results which, overall, are more satisfactory to the parties than those that could have been achieved through the courts. These results may include outcomes which are not available from litigation - for example, an apology, or a new means of co-operation. And finally, the process is confidential, enabling the parties to avoid unwanted interest from, for example, competitors or the press.
