Ind. ADR Rule 1.3

Methods Governed by These Rules

Effective January 1, 2025

(A) Mediation.

This method is a process in which a neutral third person, called a mediator, acts to encourage

and to assist in the resolution of a dispute between two or more parties. It is an informal and

nonadversarial process. The objective is to help the disputing parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement between or among themselves on all or any part of the issues in dispute.

Decision-making authority rests with the parties, not the mediator. The mediator assists the

parties in identifying issues, fostering joint problem-solving, exploring settlement altern-

atives, and in other ways consistent with these activities.

(B) Arbitration.

This method is a process in which a neutral third person or a panel, called an arbitrator or an

arbitration panel, considers the facts and arguments presented by the parties and renders a

decision. The decision of the arbitrator is non-binding.

(C) Mini-Trials.

A mini-trial is a settlement method in which each side presents a highly abbreviated summary

of its case to senior officials who are authorized to settle the case. A neutral advisor may

preside over the proceeding and give advisory opinions or rulings if invited to do so. Following the presentation, the officials seek a negotiated settlement of the dispute.

(D) Summary Jury Trials.

This method is an abbreviated trial with a jury in which the litigants present their evidence in

an expedited fashion. The litigants and the jury are guided by a neutral who acts as a presiding official who sits as the judge. After an advisory verdict from the jury, the presiding official

may assist the litigants in a negotiated settlement of their controversy.

(E) Private Judges.

This method is a process in which litigants employ a private judge, who is a former judge, to

resolve a pending lawsuit. The parties are responsible for all expenses involved in these matters, and they may agree upon their allocation.

(F) Other Forms of Non-Binding Alternative Dispute Resolution.

Any other non-binding method of alternative dispute resolution that allows the parties to

resolve their disputes and is court-ordered or court-approved is encouraged by these rules.