How can ADR be used during DR proceedings?

• A. Through mediation or other ADR methods to settle before or during proceedings
• B. Not allowed
• C. Through arbitration only after judgment
• D. Only for small claims

Answer: (A)

ADR can be used to settle disputes at any stage of DR proceedings. The big idea is that alternative dispute resolution offers pathways like mediation, negotiation, or other methods to reach a settlement without needing a full trial, and these can occur even before formal proceedings begin or while they are ongoing. Mediation is the most common example, where a neutral mediator helps the parties find a mutually acceptable agreement. Other ADR processes—such as early neutral evaluation, settlement conferences, or collaborative approaches—serve similar purposes: they aim to resolve issues more efficiently, reduce costs, and preserve control with the parties rather than having a judge impose a decision. This is why the correct view is that ADR can be used to settle before or during proceedings through mediation or other ADR methods. It’s not correct to say ADR is not allowed, nor to restrict ADR to arbitration after judgment, nor to limit it to small claims; ADR is a flexible tool applicable at multiple stages and across case types.