File your original documents with the Superior Court Clerk; AND. Motion to compel or stay arbitration.A Practice Note explaining how to request judicial assistance in Washington, DC court to compel or stay arbitration. The FAA applies to any contract "evidencing a transaction involving commerce" that is subject to a written agreement to arbitrate. Qwest Communications Corp. A Toolkit of resources to help counsel submit an application to a US federal or state court requesting an order to compel or stay arbitration. The Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) requires the court to issue a stay pending arbitration and the court lacks the discretion to dismiss the lawsuit. A Practice Note explaining how to request judicial assistance in Washington state court to compel or stay arbitration. The response shall be filed within 7 days after the filing of the motion. (d) Reply Memorandum.