Prevent or resolve a dispute
Obligation to consider private dispute prevention and resolution processes
You must consider private dispute prevention and resolution (DPR) processes before referring a misunderstanding, problem, dispute or conflict to the courts.
This obligation is intended to ensure that the parties to a dispute take steps to reach an agreement before the situation deteriorates to the point where it is brought before the courts.
The obligation is also intended to assist in the shift from a trial-based to an agreement-based culture.
Difference between DPR processes and private DPR processes
The term DPR processes covers all processes used inside or outside the court system.
The term private DPR processes refers only to the processes used outside the court system.
What does consider mean?
You must attentively examine the possibilities for settling your dispute out of court before beginning judicial proceedings.
You may do this through private discussions or using the services of an advisor such as a conciliator or mediator.
Last update: October 20, 2025