Mediation and Arbitration.     If, after the surveyor has presented his report, you are still in disagreement with your neighbour, then you could try to settle the matter using Alternative Disputes Resolution (ADR) techniques. The alternatives are Mediation and Arbitration.

     A mediator is a professional person (often, but not always, a solicitor) who has been specially trained to facilitate a settlement that is mutually acceptable to the parties in dispute. Mediation is a private and informal process that is quicker to put into effect, and cheaper, than taking the matter to court.

     Arbitration is a private process in which a professional person, trained in arbitration, resolves the dispute. The arbitrator's award (decision) is final and legally binding on both parties. Arbitration is also quicker and cheaper than going to court.

     Mediators and Arbitrators can be found in Yellow Pages, or you could ask your favourite Internet search engine to find "Alternative Disputes Resolution" (remember to put the quotation marks around the phrase).

.This page was last updated on 20 February 2001