Arbitration
Arbitration is a process where a third party trier of fact (like a judge) provides you with an answer to the dispute(s) at hand. The arbitrator must base the ruling on the law. This is usually a quicker process than going to trial and less expensive.
At Story Law, we will represent clients in arbitration, or we act as the arbitrator who hears presentations about the dispute from both sides, and then we determine an outcome according to the letter of the law.
Choosing an Approach...
In order to make arbitration a viable approach, both parties must consent to enter the process and respect the final ruling.
There is some flexibility in the proceedings and an arbitration may or may not include the hearing of evidence, presentation of documents, or even oral arguments. It is conducted on a smaller scale than a case in front of a court, though similar because a third party is making the final decision.
Common Areas of Practice for Arbitration:
Dissolution/Divorce
Maintenance/Support
Parenting Plan or Planning/Custody
Community Property
Paternity
Child Support
Legal Separation
Property and Liabilities
Separate Property
Parenting/Child Support/Maintenance Modifications
Benefits of Arbitration
Arbitration is often viewed as a less expensive, more streamlined process as opposed to a court dispute or trial. Dates for arbitration hearings are usually easier to obtain than court dates.
Privacy is also one of the benefits of choosing arbitration. Proceedings from this method may not be part of the public record, depending on the type of case.
Arbitration is often the final ruling for a dispute, and there is typically a limited window of opportunity to appeal the final decision.
How It Works
- Getting started with Story Law happens with a short, scheduled phone call. Either your existing dispute requires arbitration or the parties have chosen arbitration. We’ll ask for some general information and answer your initial questions as well
- If you choose to move forward to use us as the arbitrator, we will contact the other side to assure they agree as well. Then a timeline for ground rules and submissions will be provided.
- There is more to this initial process, but these are the main points about how we begin here at Story Law.
