ADR procedures range from self-help processes at one end of a continuum to binding arbitration at the other. Except for arbitration, ADR uses non-binding processes that parties can walk away from at any time. Parties remain in control of the process and the outcome.
The most common processes are negotiation, mediation and group facilitation. In recent years collaborative family law, restorative justice, conflict management coaching and workplace investigations have steadily emerged as other commonly-used techniques.
ADR processes that are more adjudicative in nature include arbitration, executive mini-trial, settlement conferences, and early neutral evaluation.