An arbitration hearing is an informal legal proceeding held before a neutral court official called an arbitrator. Arbitration hearings are limited by rule to one hour and take place in the courthouse. The hearings are conducted in a serious but relaxed atmosphere, with the rules of evidence serving as a guide.
Arbitration is a dispute resolution mechanism agreed on by parties, which involves the appointment of one or more ar- bitrators to preside over and to make a final decision on a dispute between two or more parties – instead of approaching a court of law to resolve the dispute.
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.
The Scope of the Clause. This section of the clause is critical; it sets the boundaries for which disputes the tribunal is authorised to determine. Choice of Rules. The Number of Arbitrators. Appointing Authority. Choice of Venue. The language of the proceedings. Finality. Exclusion of the right of appeal.
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.
In some instances, you may be able to sue if you signed a valid arbitration agreement. While courts generally favor arbitration agreements, they will allow you to file a lawsuit if either you didn't understand your rights or your claims fall outside the arbitration provision's scope.
Settlement by agreement is the cheapest option and gives you the most control. Both mediation and arbitration are expensive, and arbitration is usually binding, so the ultimate decision is out of your control.
A party asks a court to compel or stay arbitration in North Carolina state court by filing a motion, whether or not there is a lawsuit already pending between the parties. If the application starts the action, the party files an initial motion. (N.C.G.S. § 1-569.5.)
A claimant will typically start arbitration by sending a document known as a “request for arbitration” or a “notice to arbitrate” to its opponent.
Necessary Elements Details of the Parties. Details of the relationship between the parties. Demand for Arbitration. The mention of agreement/contract (if any). The mention of already existing arbitration agreement between the parties pursuant to which the concerned notice of arbitration has been sent (if any).