A way of resolving disagreements that is quicker, easier and less costly than traditional litigation. With arbitration, each party gives their reasons for why they are seeking money from another person/company and the other party(s) explains why they don’t owe the money or are also owed money. The party who starts the arbitration is known as the Applicant. This party can be seeking money from more than one party as long as the money being sought arises out of the same accident or contract. The other party(s) is known as the Respondent(s). The Respondent(s) then explains why they don’t owe the Applicant any money or why the Applicant owes them money. A neutral third party called the Arbitrator ultimately decides the matter. With ARS, our Arbitrators are always experienced litigation attorneys who know the law and how it applies to your situation.

The Fee Schedule lists the fees that must be paid before a matter is referred to an Arbitrator. The fees are usually less than it would be to file and pursue a lawsuit. There are no fees other than those listed in the Fee Schedule.

Before an Application is filed, the parties must agree to submit the matter to binding arbitration (which means that all parties are legally bound to the Arbitrator’s decision) with ARS or be required to arbitrate a dispute with ARS based on the terms and conditions of an agreement between the parties. The Applicant starts the process by submitting an Application that has their reasons for why the other party(s) owes them money. The Respondent(s) then submits a Response to ARS explaining why they don’t owe the Applicant any money. The Respondent’s Response may also include a claim for money against the Applicant, which is referred to as a counterclaim.

When the parties submit the Application and Response(s), they will have the opportunity to submit any evidence (proof) which supports their position. The claim is then assigned to an Arbitrator. Where permitted by ARS rules, the parties can request a telephonic hearing. If such a hearing is requested, the Arbitrator will make their decision after the hearing. If no telephonic hearing is requested a decision will be made based on the Application and Response(s) along with the evidence that has been submitted.