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Alternative Dispute Resolution/Mediation

Alternative dispute resolution, also called ADR, describes methods used to settle disagreements or disputes without using a judge or magistrate. ADR methods usually take less time and are less adversarial, than court or jury trials. There are court-sponsored ADR programs and private ADR providers.

The Judicial Branch is committed to the expanded utilization of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) programs to facilitate the expeditious and equitable resolution of cases.

Upon agreement of the parties, any Civil or Family Matter is eligible to be referred to a private ADR program. When a case is referred all court proceedings, including short calendar assignment will be stayed. The court will set a time limit on the duration of the referral consistent with applicable rules and statutes.
 

Quick Links
Non-Judicial Officers
Judges, Senior Judges and Judge Trial Referees available for the court-annexed mediation program (PDF)
Form JD-CL-54 - "Request and Stipulation for Referral to a Private Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Provider" (PDF)

A directory of private ADR providers is available in each Judicial District Clerk's Office.

At the request of the parties any Civil or Family Matters is eligible to be referred to court-annexed ADR programs.

For further information concerning the ADR Programs, please contact Catherine S. Lapollo, Caseflow Management Specialist at (860) 263-2734, ext. 3035 or Catherine.Lapollo@jud.ct.gov.

Court-Sponsored ADR Programs
The court uses designated attorneys with knowledge and expertise in specific areas to mediate and facilitate settlement conferences to move cases more quickly through the judicial system and reduce court caseloads. These attorneys are called non-judicial officers. More information about non-judicial officers.

Court-sponsored ADR programs available:

Private ADR Programs
Alternative dispute resolution is so successful in settling cases that many attorneys, mediation specialists and arbitration organizations offer ADR services. Each civil clerk’s office and court information desk maintains a public listing of private ADR providers. A supplemental resource manual is also available which offers additional information on the provider’s qualifications.

Civil and Family Cases - The court may refer any family or civil case to a private ADR provider, as long as the parties agree on the selection of a provider. The court may stay the case (suspend all judicial action) up to ninety days while the parties meet with the ADR provider. Complete the court form "Request and Stipulation for Referral to a Private Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Provider", JD-CL-54 to ask for a stay of the case pending ADR.

Motor Vehicle Cases - The court may refer any civil case involving ownership, maintenance or use of a private passenger motor vehicle to a private ADR provider, as long as the parties agree on the selection of a provider. The referral must be made within sixty days of the return date. The court may stay the case (suspend all judicial action) up to ninety days while the parties meet with the ADR provider. Complete the court form "Request and Stipulation for Referral to a Private Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Provider", JD-CL-54, to ask for a stay of the case pending ADR.

Checklist for Choosing a Private ADR Provider:

  • What experience does the provider have?
  • What specialized education or training does the provider have?
  • Does the provider follow any rules of conduct or ethical standards?
  • What is the basis for fees charged?

 Arbitration

  • Legal Authority: C.G.S. Section 52-549u through 52-549aa
  • Eligibility: Any civil case where the judgment is expected to be less than $50,000 and a claim for a trial by jury and a certificate of closed pleadings has been filed.
  • The parties have a right to a trial de novo.

Attorney Trial Referee

  • Legal Authority: C.G.S. Section 52-434(a)(4)
  • Eligibility: Any civil non-jury case, with the consent of the parties. No jurisdictional limit on the amount in controversy.
  • The decision is subject to judicial review and approval.
  • The parties have the right to appeal.

Attorney Trial Referee/Special Master for Administrative Appeals

  • Eligibility: Tax and unemployment appeals that have been claimed to the administrative appeals trial list are referred for settlement conferences.

Court-Annexed Mediation

Please contact the manager of the Court Annexed Mediation Program, Attorney Margaret George, at (860) 263-2734, ext. 3036 or Margaret.George@jud.ct.gov; or the mediation coordinator Lisa Gordon at (860) 263-2734 ext. 3031 with any requests or questions.

Early Intervention
  • Legal Authority: C.G.S. Section 51-5a
  • Eligibility: Any civil personal injury or small claims transfer case which is at least six months old and at least one defendant has filed an appearance. May be court-ordered.

Early Neutral Evaluation

  • Legal Authority: C.G.S. Section 51-5a
  • Eligibility: Civil cases within 180 days of the return date, at the request of the parties, may be referred to a special master for settlement conference. Usually involves personal injury cases.

Expedited Process Track

  • Legal Authority: C.G.S. Section 52-195b(b)(2)
  • Eligibility: Any civil action involving the ownership, maintenance or use of a private passenger motor vehicle where each plaintiff’s claim is $75,000 or less. All parties must consent. Consent may be filed with the complaint or later.
  • Results in waiver of right to a jury trial, the right to a record of the trial proceedings, and the right to an appeal. Also results in priority scheduling for trial assignment.

Fact-Finding Program

  • Legal Authority: C.G.S. Section 52-549n through 52-549t
  • Eligibility: Contract cases (except insurance claims for uninsured and/or underinsured motorists) involving money damages only (less than $50,000 and based on a promise to pay a definite sum), and a certificate of closed pleadings is filed.
  • The decision is subject to judicial review.

Family Services Mediation

  • Legal Authority:
  • Eligibility: Dissolution (divorce) cases on the limited contested and contested case lists. May address child custody, visitation, property and financial issues.
  • Statements by the parties during the mediation are confidential and may not be used as evidence in court.

Housing Specialists-Housing Matters

  • Legal Authority: C.G.S. Section 47a-69
  • Eligibility: Any housing matter, contested or uncontested, as defined in C.G.S. 47a-68, including summary process and all actions regarding forcible entry and detainer, back rent, damages, and return of security deposits.

Special Masters-Family Matters

  • Legal Authority: C.G.S. Section 51-5a
  • Eligibility: Family cases on the limited contested or contested case lists may be referred for settlement conferences.

Summary Jury Trials

  • Goal: To obtain a non-binding verdict without the expense and time involved in a full jury trial.
  • Eligibility: Civil jury trial cases which will require weeks of trial time, where the parties voluntarily agree to the process. A judge or judge trial referee presides over the proceeding.

 

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