What is the main purpose of alternative dispute resolution (ADR)?

The main purpose of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is to provide a mechanism for resolving disputes outside of the traditional court system. This approach aims to offer a more efficient, cost-effective, and flexible way for parties to reach an agreement without engaging in lengthy and often expensive litigation.

ADR methods, such as mediation, arbitration, and negotiation, allow parties to maintain control over the outcome of their dispute, often leading to more satisfactory resolutions. By avoiding the formalities and adversarial nature of court trials, ADR can also foster better communication and collaboration between disputing parties, which can be especially beneficial in situations such as family disputes or business negotiations.

Other options, such as facilitating court trials or increasing litigation costs, do not align with the foundational goals of ADR, which strives to simplify the dispute resolution process and reduce the burden on the judicial system. Enforcing legal contracts, while important in the legal landscape, is not the primary function of ADR; instead, it focuses on resolving conflicts that have arisen, often surrounding contractual agreements or other disputes.