A claimant will typically start arbitration by sending a document known as a “request for arbitration” or a “notice to arbitrate” to its opponent.
FINRA requires investors and other parties to file their arbitration claims via the DR Portal—except for investors representing themselves, who have the option to file by mail. If you are new to the DR Portal, please create an account. Login to the DR Portal and select “File a New Arbitration Claim” in the left column.
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.
A claimant will typically start arbitration by sending a document known as a “request for arbitration” or a “notice to arbitrate” to its opponent.
The Massachusetts Act adopted the central provision of the FAA, which makes both pre and post dispute agreements to arbitrate “valid, enforceable and irrevocable,” except on the grounds for the revocation of other contracts. M.G.L. c. 251 § 1.
Arbitration is less formal than court, though you and the other party may appear at an arbitration hearing, present evidence, or call and question each other's witnesses. An arbitrator or panel makes a decision or award once you've presented your case. The decision is legally binding.
Arbitration might be the right choice for some cases. Limited discovery rights and costs might be useful when less is at stake. Arbitration might feel less adversarial, which could be an advantage where ongoing relationships are hoped to be preserved. Arbitration lends some confidentiality.
Yes. The Federal Arbitration Act, or FAA, was passed in 1925 in response to a variety of court decisions that held arbitration agreements unenforceable. This law provides that arbitration agreements are generally valid and enforceable.
Parties who wish to refer a matter to arbitration shall sign a written agreement to arbitrate which shall be enforceable in ance with the provisions of section one of chapter two hundred and fifty-one.