Besides court, what other options exist to resolve disputes in the u. s.?

-Administration Agency Hearings
An administrative hearing takes place outside the court system under uniform agency procedures that regulate business and personal activities.

-Negotiations
Negotiation is the most common method of resolving most legal disputes. It involves one party attempting to create a resolution through one-on-one conversation and is done in private.

-Arbitration
Arbitration is private. Attorneys or parties present arguments to an impartial individual or panel. The arbitrator or arbitration panel usually has expertise in the conflict area (e.g., construction, commercial contracts). The parties usually agree to be bound by the decision as if it were a court decision.

-Mediation
Mediation is also private. A great many cases are resolved with mediation. Types of cases for Mediation include custody and visitation, small claims, probate, personal injury, malpractice, small business, civil rights, employer/employee and educational. Mediation is very useful when a dispute involves many questions and the parties have been unable to reach an agreement on their own or there is a continuing relationship. In mediation, an impartial mediator works with the parties to assist them in reaching a settlement.

Hope this helps!