Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

If you and your spouse are considering divorce, going straight to court should be the last resort. Many couples in Cleveland, Ohio, don’t realize there are other ways to resolve disputes that are often less expensive, less stressful, and more effective.

At the Law Offices of Cara L. Santosuosso, LLC, we focus on using proven and creative strategies to help couples find smoother resolutions.

What Is Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)?

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is any process that helps couples resolve disputes without litigation. ADR is:

• Confidential
  
• Flexible and less formal than court
  
• Designed to reduce stress and hostility
  
• Focused on solutions that both spouses can agree on
  
  

Types of Divorce Resolution Options in Cleveland, Ohio

1. DIY Divorce (“Kitchen Table Method”)

• Best for short marriages with no children and few shared assets
  
• Couples decide property division on their own
  
• A lawyer may be hired only to draft and file final documents
  
• Lowest cost option, but riskier if agreements are complex
  
  

2. Principled Negotiation

• One or both spouses hire an attorney to negotiate and draft agreements
  
• Costs vary ($2,500–$10,000 on average)
  
• If only one spouse hires a lawyer, the other may be at a disadvantage
  
• Litigation is still possible if negotiations fail
  
  

3. Mediation

• A neutral mediator helps couples resolve disputes
  
• Attorneys may be involved as much or as little as needed
  
• Spouses control the process and pace
  
• More affordable and private than litigation
  
• Risk: mediation depends on both parties being honest about finances
  
  

4. Collaborative Divorce

• Both parties commit to avoiding court from the start
  
• Each spouse hires a collaboratively trained lawyer
  
• Experts (financial advisors, child specialists, appraisers) may be included
  
• Completely private — information stays between the parties
  
• If the process breaks down, new attorneys must be hired for litigation
  
  

5. Arbitration

• An arbitrator hears evidence and makes decisions on disputes
  
• Faster and often less costly than litigation
  
• Useful for financial disputes
  
• Binding or non-binding (depending on agreement)
  
• Cannot be used for custody decisions in Ohio
  
  

6. Litigation (Court Divorce)

• One or both parties hire a lawyer and file for divorce in court
  
• Includes discovery, hearings, and possibly a trial
  
• Costs are highest ($10,000–$50,000+)
  
• Necessary in cases involving:
  
  • Custody disputes
    
  • Domestic violence
    
  • Substance abuse or mental health issues
    
  • Child abuse or neglect
    
• Court orders may be required for restraining orders or temporary custody
  
  

Why Choose ADR Over Litigation?

Litigation is rigid, public, and adversarial. Judges do their best, but they cannot fully understand the unique dynamics of your family. ADR offers:

• Privacy: Discussions and agreements remain confidential
  
• Flexibility: Solutions tailored to your family’s needs
  
• Lower Costs: Avoid high legal fees and court expenses
  
• Faster Results: Cases can be resolved in weeks or months instead of years
  
• Less Conflict: Better outcomes for children and healthier co-parenting relationships

Choosing the Right Path Forward

Every couple’s situation is different. Some may benefit from mediation or collaboration, while others may need the structure of litigation. Each person does well to ask themselves what matters most — cost, privacy, speed, or protecting their parental rights? The best way to find the right approach is to consult with an experienced divorce lawyer who understands the options available in Cleveland, Ohio.

Talk to an Expert Divorce Attorney in Cleveland, Ohio

At the Law Offices of Cara L. Santosuosso, LLC, we help clients explore all divorce resolution methods — from mediation to litigation — and find the path that works best for them. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take control of your divorce process with guidance you