An association has standing to institute, defend, settle, or intervene in litigation, arbitration, mediation, or administrative proceedings in its own name. Navigating HOA disputes in California demands a comprehensive understanding of state laws, effective communication, and strategic resolution approaches.California HOA dispute attorney providing alternatives to litigation such as arbitration to resolve disputes privately. ADR is defined as mediation, arbitration, conciliation, or other nonjudicial procedure that involves a neutral third party in the decision making process. Like mediation, arbitration is not free, and the parties must pay the arbitrator(s) for their time. Mediation is a voluntary process where parties select a neutral third party (often a retired judge) to act as a facilitator to settle the dispute. It is essential for every association to adopt an HOA dispute resolution policy. Here are some tips on resolving disputes in your HOA internally.