Arbitration- Not currently being offered
What is arbitration? Arbitration is a type of alternative dispute resolution that can be described as a court proceeding without a jury, and instead a neutral third party (called an arbitrator or arbiter) takes the place of the judge. The arbitrator reviews evidence, hears testimony, and renders a decision.
Is arbitration final? Most arbitrations are legally binding with no appeals. It avoids potentially lengthy court battles and provides a binding solution.
Why use arbitration? Most arbitrations come about by contract agreements. Credit card contracts are probably the most common.
Are arbitrators attorneys? Yes. A legal understanding of the issues and applicable laws is needed. Our arbitrators are attorneys and have experience with this process.
Are there different types of arbitration? Yes. Non-binding arbitration is sometimes an option where the decision is not legally binding. Both parties must agree to this option. "Either/or" or "final offer" arbitration consists of parties developing separate solutions and presenting them to the arbitrator, who then chooses the more reasonable. Bracketed arbitration means that the parties have pre-agreed that the arbitrated award be between a low and a high award number.
Who pays for arbitration? As with mediation, we prefer that parties split the cost, but other arrangements can be made.
How much does arbitration cost? We charge $250/hour. Most arbitrations require about 20 hours, which includes review and testimony.
Do I need an attorney? We strongly recommend retaining legal counsel when agreeing to arbitration.
Is arbitration better than mediation? It depends on several things; the case, the parties' interests, contracts, etc. If you're not sure which is better for you, contact us and we'll discuss your situation.
Is arbitration better than court? Again, it depends on the case and other factors. Arbitration can be quicker, but not always. It can be cheaper than court, but not always. We can discuss it during a free consultation.