Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) describes a range of methods (such as mediation and arbitration) designed to avoid the need to go to court to enforce legal rights. Usually these methods are a cheaper and quicker route for resolving a dispute. The EU Directive on Consumer ADR and an EU Regulation on Consumer Online Dispute Resolution were published in July 2013. The requirements of the Directive were implemented into UK law by the Alternative Dispute Resolution for Disputes (Competent Authorities and Information) Regulations 2015.

This briefing Paper outlines the background to, and the main provisions of, the new ADR Regulations 2015. Like the Regulations, this Paper is only concerned with consumer ADR (i.e. a dispute between a trader and a consumer).

ESO: Background information: Solving consumer disputes http://www.europeansources.info/record/website-solving-consumer-disputes/

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