Virginia law provides that parties to a controversy may agree to submit their differences to arbitration, with the stipulation that the award may be returned to and entered as a judgment of a court of the Commonwealth having jurisdiction over the subject matter of the controversy.
A written agreement to submit any existing controversy to arbitration or a provision in a written contract to submit to arbitration any controversy thereafter arising between the parties is valid, enforceable and irrevocable, except upon such grounds as exist at law or in equity for the revocation of any contract.
Virginia law provides that parties to a controversy may agree to submit their differences to arbitration, with the stipulation that the award may be returned to and entered as a judgment of a court of the Commonwealth having jurisdiction over the subject matter of the controversy.
A written agreement to submit any existing controversy to arbitration or a provision in a written contract to submit to arbitration any controversy thereafter arising between the parties is valid, enforceable and irrevocable, except upon such grounds as exist at law or in equity for the revocation of any contract.
You can always agree to arbitration later if your lawyer advises you it's a good choice in the particular situation you find yourself in. There's no benefit to you in doing so months or years ahead of time.
Some potential consequences may include: Breach of Contract: If arbitration is a contractual requirement and one party refuses to participate, they may be in breach of the contract. The non-complying party may be held liable for damages resulting from the breach.
In arbitration, you don't have to have a lawyer represent you (unless state law requires it), but it's important to know that arbitration is a final and binding process that can affect your rights. So, if you are considering representing yourself, it's a good idea to talk to a lawyer.
The only disputes which may not be determined by way of arbitration proceedings are matters in respect of any matrimonial cause (or incidental thereto) and matters relating to status, for example sequestration or liquidation proceedings.
If the arbitration is mandatory and binding, the parties waive their rights to use the court system and have a judge or jury decide the case. If the arbitrator's award is unfair or illogical, a consumer may well be stuck with it without a chance for recourse.
Always get straight to the merits without berating the other side or whining about how badly it has treated you. Another threat to your credibility is the “kitchen sink” arbitration demand or a response that includes numerous claims or defenses that have little chance of succeeding.