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.
Some contracts give you the right to opt out of the forced arbitration clause within a certain period of time, often 30 to 60 days, after signing the agreement by notifying the company that you wish to opt out. Check your contract for the deadline and for specific instructions for opting out.
As a general rule, only strong evidence of duress or fraud are sufficient to invalidate an arbitration clause.
How do I opt out of a forced arbitration clause? Some contracts give you the right to opt out of the forced arbitration clause within a certain period of time, often 30 to 60 days, after signing the agreement by notifying the company that you wish to opt out.
LCCP 2 We, the undersigned parties, hereby agree to submit to arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association under its applicable Procedures for Large, Complex Commercial Disputes the following controversy describe briefly. Judgment of any court having jurisdiction may be entered on the award.
How to Protect Yourself Against Forced Arbitration Look for arbitration language. Information regarding forced arbitration is usually buried in the company's terms of use or legal terms and conditions. Opt-out when you can. Submit official complaints. Negotiating using the legal leverage you have.
If the arbitration agreement is claimed to be invalid based on reasons such as error, fraud, or threat, the validity of the arbitration agreement will be governed by the law chosen by the parties, and in the absence of a choice of law, the law of the place of arbitration applied.
However, if a plaintiff unwittingly entered into an arbitration agreement due to coercion or deception, or if the terms of the arbitration agreement undermine the plaintiff's ability to vindicate their rights, courts can and sometimes do step in and invalidate the contract.
Even if you have opted out of an arbitration agreement, you can often change your mind at a later date, and decide you want to arbitrate. But, if you have signed an arbitration clause, you generally may not change your mind and decide later that you want to avoid arbitration.
Some contracts give you the right to opt out of the forced arbitration clause within a certain period of time, often 30 to 60 days, after signing the agreement by notifying the company that you wish to opt out. Check your contract for the deadline and for specific instructions for opting out.