What is Arbitration?

An arbitration is similar to a court hearing. Evidence is called and the arbitrator makes a decision in accordance with the law. During the arbitration, both parties have an opportunity to put forward argument to support their positions before a decision is rendered. The arbitration judge is often a family lawyer and the process is conducted privately. The decision is binding on both parties and can be enforced through the courts should one party fail to abide by the ruling.

What is the role of a arbitrator?

The arbitrator's role is similar to a judge in that he or she must make a decision on all issues in dispute, based on the law.

Is arbitration right for you?

Parties may decide to proceed to arbitration if their attempts to negotiate through mediation have been unsuccessful or they may move directly to arbitration to resolve their dispute. In many cases parties enter into mediation/arbitration disputes whereby they are obliged to proceed to an arbitration if the mediation is unsuccessful. In these cases, typically the person who functions as a mediator will become the arbitrator.