There are typically seven stages of the arbitration process: Claimant Files a Claim. Respondent Submits Answer. Parties Select Arbitrators. Parties Attend Initial Prehearing Conference. Parties Exchange Discovery. Parties Attend Hearings. Arbitrators Deliberate and Render Award.
Limited Appeal Options: One of the most significant downsides of arbitration is that it offers very limited options for appeal. Once the arbitrator makes a decision, it's usually final unless there was a substantial legal oversight.
The arbitrator will explain the process. Each side may present an uninterrupted opening statement setting forth its position as to the facts and the law. After opening statements, the parties present their evidence and witnesses. The arbitrator swears in the witnesses and makes rulings on the admissibility of evidence.
Rule 3.31. Unless otherwise authorized by the court, discovery meet and confer obligations require an in-person, telephonic, or video conference between parties.
Unlike mediation, the arbitration process is binding, which means that the parties are legally obligated to accept and comply with the arbitration decision/award rendered by the arbitrators. Without question, mediation should almost always be the first step in working towards resolving a dispute.
The main distinction between the two is who makes the final decision. With mediation, the final decision is a reached agreement between the two conflicting parties, while arbitration calls on an arbitrator to analyze the case details and reach a verdict.
Mediation does not impose a solution and it is not binding until the parties reach and sign a settlement agreement. If a settlement cannot be reached, the parties are welcome to continue with the arbitration process. Unlike an arbitrator, a mediator has no power to decide a dispute.
A claimant will typically start arbitration by sending a document known as a “request for arbitration” or a “notice to arbitrate” to its opponent.
A claimant will typically start arbitration by sending a document known as a “request for arbitration” or a “notice to arbitrate” to its opponent.