Alternatives to Court in Northern Ireland, an information booklet to promote alternative dispute resolution, was launched on 12 September 2011.
The booklet was developed through a unique publishing partnership between the Northern Ireland Ombudsman, Law Centre (NI) and Queen’s University Belfast. It was published in recognition that going to court to resolve a dispute can be expensive, time-consuming and stressful and in some cases can result in an unsatisfactory experience.
The initiative was endorsed by the Minister of Justice, David Ford and Mr Justice Weatherup, at the launch held at the Northern Ireland Ombudsman’s office.
The new booklet aims to show members of the public that there other ways of dealing with many types of dispute, how these alternatives to court might work and when it is appropriate to use them. It also includes a detailed directory of dispute resolution services available in Northern Ireland appropriately organised by specific types of disputes.
These alternatives can be useful in sorting out disputes brought about by a breakdown in family or business relationships or with service providers across the public and private sectors.
The booklet is available online on NI Direct as well as the Ombudsman and Law Centre websites.
A poster publicising the website versions is also available on request from the Law Centre.
