A neutral is an individual, who as a result of experience and education facilitates the resolution of a dispute. The individual must be fair, impartial and have no interest in the outcome or decision

You may search the VirtualCourthouse™ neutral database? You may also know of a neutral that you can ask to register with VirtualCourthouse™.

You first must ask the other party if they would consider agreeing to an alternative (to the court) dispute resolving process. 

ODR is a simple, straightforward alternative to court, resulting in fast, convenient and less expensive resolutions to disputes.

"Arbitration" means a process in which (1) the parties appear before one or more impartial neutrals / arbitrators and present evidence and argument supporting their respective positions, and (2) the neutrals / arbitrators render a decision in the form of an award that is binding. The parties may agree that the decision is not binding.

"Mediation" means a process in which the parties work wtih one or more impartial neutrals / mediators who, without providing legal advice, assist the parties in reaching their own voluntary agreement for the resolution of the dispute or issues in the dispute.

Both parties meet with an impartial Neutral, who will facilitate discussions between both parties to help the opposing parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement. The neutral will evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each party’s case and help the parties analyze the risks associated with a trial. Sometimes the neutral will offer an opinion regarding a likely verdict.

"Neutral Case Evaluation" means a process in which the parties and their attorneys, present in summary fashion evidence and arguments supporting their respective positions, to a neutral. The neutral person renders an evaluation of their positions and an opinion as to the likely outcome of the dispute or issues in the dispute if the action tried before a jury.