Notice from the Chief Justice of the Trial Court announcing commencement of the Uniform Application Process 2024

Learn more about the court-connected dispute resolution services application process for approved program status.

The Trial Court announces the commencement of the Uniform Application Process for programs seeking approval to receive referrals for court-connected alternative dispute resolution services in the Trial Court Departments pursuant to the Uniform Rules on Dispute Resolution, Supreme Judicial Court Rule 1:18.

1. Eligibility

A court-connected referral for dispute resolution services can be made only to programs that have been approved. A program is approved by the Chief Justice of the applicable Trial Court Department in which it seeks to provide services.

2. Approval of programs

All programs currently approved to provide court-connected alternative dispute resolution services in the Trial Court must reapply, and any new programs seeking approval to provide court-connected dispute resolution services must apply for approval.

3. Applicable dates

1. All program seeking approval shall, no later than Monday, November 18, 2024, submit the Program Application to the Trial Court Department or Departments in which the program seeks to receive referrals.
2. The Departmental Chief Justices will make approval decisions and notify programs by December 31, 2024.
3. An approved program will be eligible to provide court-connected dispute resolution services commencing on January 2, 2025.
4. Once approved to provide dispute resolution services, a program in good standing retains its approval for a period of three years ending on December 31, 2027.

4. Obtaining forms

Program applications may be obtained from ADR resources: Forms and documents.

5. Questions

Any questions about this Notice may be directed to Tim Linnehan, ADR Coordinator for the Trial Court, at [phone] or [e-mail].