Consumer Arbitration
Maybe it's time to try an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) program ? an option that businesses, private organizations, and government agencies use. Dispute resolution programs can be quicker, cheaper, and less stressful than going to court . . . Arbitration is less formal than court, though you and the other party may appear at hearings, present evidence, or call and question each other's witnesses. Unlike mediation, an arbitrator or panel makes a decision or award once you've presented your case. The decision may be legally binding.?
If you have a dispute with another party that you are unable to resolve, you may submit the dispute to arbitration. Arbitration is a process where each party presents information to a neutral decision-maker, the arbitrator, either in person or simply by submitting documents. The arbitrator reviews the information, makes a decision, and then issues a legally binding award. Consumers may file an arbitration claim for as little as $25. Arbitration is faster, less expensive, and less formal than the lawsuit system.
All of the available data show that consumers fare at least as well in arbitration as they do in the court system. And researchers have found that individual parties receive more of what they ask for in arbitration versus the lawsuit system.
Mediation
Mediation is a voluntary method of dispute resolution that allows parties to craft their own solution to a dispute. An unbiased third party (the mediator) assists the parties in this process by conducting private interviews and negotiations with each party to discuss settlement opportunities and facilitate an agreeable solution. Mediators never impose decisions on disputing parties; rather, they encourage disputing parties to find common ground and resolve their dispute on their own terms.
NAF mediators are located across the entire country and are available to assist parties to resolve their disputes no matter where the parties live or where they conduct business.
Types of Cases Jane Arbitrates & Mediates
This information is provided by the National Arbitration Forum
