Why Choose ADR ?

Save time, money and court resources
Preserve relationships
Flexible, open and responsive processes
Customized solutions that meet all needs
Greater participation satisfaction

ADR Programs

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Settlement Conferences

A settlement conference is a pre-trial meeting for Civil, Family, and Probate cases, where parties discuss their case with a neutral person to help reach an agreement. To participate in a settlement conference, parties need to complete a form proving they are prepared. This method is used for different types of cases, such as car accidents, contracts, medical issues, and family matters.

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Civil Short Trial

Parties can agree to a binding, one-day jury trial with a judge pro tempore and four jurors, where three jurors must agree on the verdict. Short Trial is optional and cannot be mandated, often chosen as an alternative to mandatory arbitration. It's suitable for most civil matters, including car accidents, contracts, medical malpractice, and other tort claims.

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Looking to hold your settlement conference virtually?

To access the Virtual Settlement Conference Platform, request GoTo Meeting access from the Alternative Dispute Resolution Office at adroffice1@jbazmc.maricopa.gov or by calling 602-506-7884. Access is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Referral Methods

The parties to a case may stipulate to, or the Court may order the parties for a mandatory settlement conference (SC). The parties can either attend an SC through private mediation, or with a Judge Pro Tempore (JPT) through the court’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Department. Cases are generally referred to ADR for a settlement conference by the Judge presiding over the case (Family, Civil, and Probate Cases).

Flow Charts

Family

During a court hearing or the Judge may set an ex parte settlement conference.  See ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 2021-044:  IN THE MATTER OF ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROGRAM PROCEDURES FOR FAMILY COURT CASES (AMENDMENT TO AO 2021-041) & ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 2021-041:  IN THE MATTER OF ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROGRAM PROCEDURES FOR FAMILY COURT CASES. 

Civil

By Minute Entry; Stipulated/Joint Order; or during a Courtroom Hearing.  See ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 2023-009:  IN THE MATTER OF ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROGRAM PROCEDURES FOR CIVIL CASES 

Probate

By Minute Entry; Stipulated/Joint Order; or during a Courtroom Hearing. 

Alternative Dispute Resolution Leadership

Derek Robertson

Alternative Dispute Resolution Coordinator

Dr. Christopher Bleuenstein

Department Administrator

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