Helping People Resolve Disputes

Advance ADR is dedicated to helping parties work together to resolve disputes.

Meet Our Neutral

Whitney Winburn Goodstone

Advance ADR was founded in 2012 in Athens, Georgia. We provide mediation services to individuals and businesses throughout Northeast Georgia.

Our founding neutral, Whitney Winburn Goodstone, is passionate about mediation. She believes in its effectiveness as an alternative for resolving disputes. In mediation, the power of the process lies in the parties’ control over the outcome. Since 2012, Whitney has assisted parties in over 1700 cases to identify issues and explore various approaches to resolve their disputes. Advance ADR offers mediation services throughout Northeast Georgia, encompassing areas such as: Athens, Watkinsville, Gainesville, Dahlonega, Cumming, Canton, Dawsonville, Clarkesville, Ellijah, Clarke, Oconee, Dawson, Fannin, Forsyth, Gilmer, Habersham, Hall, Lumpkin, Pickens, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union and White.

"Our task is not to fix blame for the past, but to fix the course for the future."

- John F. Kennedy

Cornerstones To Successful Mediation

Avenues of Our Mediation Services

Understanding the different mediation avenues available can help you choose the best approach for your situation. At AdvanceADR, we offer both court-annexed and private mediation options, each with its own benefits:

Court-Annexed Mediation Services

If your case requires court-annexed mediation, navigate the process smoothly with Advanced ADR. We’ll guide you through confidential and effective resolutions – minimizing stress and maximizing solutions.

Private Mediation Services

Private mediation offers a confidential path to resolve your conflict – without court costs or delays. We’ll guide you through confidential and effective resolutions – minimizing stress and maximizing solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Advance Dispute Resolution (ADR)?

Advance Dispute Resolution (ADR) refers to a range of processes and techniques used to resolve disputes without resorting to litigation. ADR encompasses various methods, including mediation, arbitration, negotiation, conciliation, and other hybrid forms. The goal of ADR is to provide a more efficient, cost-effective, and flexible way to resolve conflicts.

(Source: Menkel-Meadow, C., Love, L. P., & Schneider, A. K. (2006). Mediation: Practice, Policy, and Ethics. Wolters Kluwer.)

What is the difference between Mediation and Arbitration?

Mediation and arbitration are both forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), but they differ significantly in their processes and outcomes.

Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process where a neutral third party, called a mediator, helps the disputing parties communicate and negotiate to reach a mutually acceptable solution. The mediator does not impose a decision.

Arbitration involves a neutral third party, called an arbitrator, who listens to both sides and then makes a binding decision on the dispute. The process is more formal than mediation and resembles a court proceeding.

(Source: American Bar Association, n.d.)

What is the definition of Mediation?

Mediation is defined as a structured, interactive process where an impartial third party assists disputing parties in resolving conflict through the use of specialized communication and negotiation techniques. The mediator facilitates discussions, encourages open communication, and helps the parties find a mutually satisfactory resolution.

(Source: Moore, C. W. (2003). The Mediation Process: Practical Strategies for Resolving Conflict. Jossey-Bass.)

What is the definition of Arbitration?

Arbitration is a method of dispute resolution where an independent and neutral third party, known as an arbitrator, is appointed to review the evidence, listen to the parties involved, and make a decision that is usually binding on both parties. It is a private and formal process that can be faster and more flexible than court litigation.

(Source: Redfern, A., Hunter, M., Blackaby, N., & Partasides, C. (2004). Law and Practice of International Commercial Arbitration. Sweet & Maxwell.)

Is Mediation any good?

Mediation is widely considered an effective method for dispute resolution for several reasons:

It is typically faster and less expensive than litigation.
It allows for creative and flexible solutions tailored to the needs of the parties.
It promotes better communication and understanding between parties, which can preserve relationships.
The process is confidential and less formal, which can reduce stress and conflict.

Research shows high satisfaction rates among participants and successful resolution rates in many cases.

(Source: Boulle, L. (2011). Mediation: Principles, Process, Practice. LexisNexis Butterworths.)

Is Mediation cheaper than Arbitration?

Generally, mediation is considered less expensive than arbitration. Mediation involves fewer procedural steps and can often be completed in a shorter timeframe, resulting in lower costs for the parties involved. Arbitration, while still typically less costly than court litigation, involves more formal procedures, including discovery, hearings, and the arbitrator’s fees, which can make it more expensive than mediation.

(Source: American Arbitration Association, n.d.)

What is a Group Mediation?

Group mediation involves the mediation of disputes that involve multiple parties, such as groups or organizations, rather than just two individuals. This form of mediation aims to address the interests and needs of all parties involved and facilitate a resolution that is acceptable to the entire group. It requires careful coordination and communication to ensure that the perspectives of all parties are considered.

(Source: Beer, J. E., & Packard, C. C. (2012). The Mediator’s Handbook. New Society Publishers.)