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.
If the parties have previously executed a contract, which calls for arbitration by AAMS in the event of a dispute, one party may initiate the arbitration process by filling a demand for arbitration. The other party may, but is not required to, file a response.
A claimant will typically start arbitration by sending a document known as a “request for arbitration” or a “notice to arbitrate” to its opponent.
Parties agree to utilize arbitration—and decide on the terms of the arbitration—in advance of any dispute. Arbitration may be voluntary (meaning that, if a dispute arises, the parties still have to agree to submit that dispute to arbitration) or mandatory (meaning the parties must submit their dispute to arbitration).
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.
Arbitration is a procedure in which a dispute is submitted, by agreement of the parties, to one or more arbitrators who make a binding decision on the dispute. In choosing arbitration, the parties opt for a private dispute resolution procedure instead of going to court.
A petition to compel arbitration or to stay proceedings pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure sections 1281.2 and 1281.4 must state, in addition to other required allegations, the provisions of the written agreement and the paragraph that provides for arbitration.
A claimant will typically start arbitration by sending a document known as a “request for arbitration” or a “notice to arbitrate” to its opponent.