anyone been involved in arbitration?

Question

has anyone ever been involved in an arbitration proceeding...any helpful hints on what to expect? My ex-boyfriend and I own a house and i know it involves that....
thanks for your help.

Answer 1

In arbitration, you'll have usually one, but sometimes as many as three people - the arbitrators - who serve as judges. In most states, their decision is final under almost all circumstances - there is no appeal from an arbitrator's award, unless there is something extremely unusual, such as the arbitrator deciding the wrong issue.

The arbitration itsellf is in some ways like a trial, except that the formal rules of evidence do not usually apply. An arbitrator is free to consider any evidence he or she deems appropriate, including hearsay and other forms of evidence that would not be admissible in court.

Depending on how complicated the issue is, the arbitrator may request pre-hearing written submissions. On the day of the arbitration the two sides present their witnesses and evidence. The arbitrator then renders a decision, not necessarily while you're there.

Arbitration is in many ways less expensive than litigation, but you may discover that you get what you pay for. Arbitrators vary tremendously in quality, and their decisions are not always as predictable as are decisions in formal courts.

Answer 2

Yes.... they're annoying and wonderful and cheap and costly.

Arbitrations are like mini-trials, similar to the way small claims court works. Both sides present their evidence, and the arbiter makes a decision.

For some people, the lack of formal procedure makes the whole thing go much faster, which means if you are paying an attorney, you'll probably end up spending less, even with the added cost of paying the arbiter on top.

The bottom line is that, like in a court, there are rules. And both sides need to present evidence to suppor their case.
Other than that, how it actually proceeds can vary widely.

Answer 3

Arbitration is a way to avoid a lengthy trial. Your attorney should actually tell you what to expect, if she is a good one.

My arbitration was unlawful termination o it was different from what yours would be.

I was dressed in a business suit. The office was in a neutral location. My attorney did most of the talking. The arbiter was a retired judge who went back and forth between the two sides (me and my attorney in one room, my former employer in another room with their gaggle of attorneys).

I won, but I had a very good lawyer.