An Alternative Dispute Resolution Center has been established at the University of Utah to help settle quarrels without going to court.

The center, established by the school's Department of Communication, offers assistance with negotiations, mediation and arbitration.Thirteen people who have completed nearly 200 hours of instruction and clinical experience will run the center, the school said Thursday.

"The trick in ADR is in getting a sense of willingness or readiness of the parties to settle," said Leonard C. Hawes, a communication professor.

"If you have that, ADR can settle everything from barking dogs to property-line disputes, divorce, child custody and corporate mergers and acquisitions," he said.

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Services from graduates of the ADR Program will cost $50 an hour after an initial half-hour at no charge.

Services from students in training under the supervision of an ADR provider will be free.

"Utah has the advantage of watching 20 years development in other states where ADR is thoroughly established as part of what is coming to be called a multidoor courthouse," said Richard D. Rieke, communication professor.

The center is in 307A Leroy Cowles Building, 581-5825.

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