When you have a dispute with another individual or entity, you may need to consult an attorney. Not every dispute necessitating legal representation, however, has to end up in court.  Sometimes, disputes can be resolved through a type of civil proceeding known as arbitration. If you are unfamiliar with this process, below is some helpful information about it. 

Understanding the Arbitration Process

What Is Arbitration?

Arbitration is a form of alternative dispute resolution that occurs outside of court proceedings. Rather than a judge or jury deciding a dispute, the parties agree to a private and confidential proceeding in front of one or more neutral persons, known as arbitrators, who will issue a legally binding decision following an abbreviated procedure culminating in a hearing in which each side presents its evidence and arguments. Arbitration is usually more expedient and less costly than court, however, there is generally no right to appeal the decision of an arbitrator.

When Can Arbitration Take Place?

Arbitration is a popular form of dispute resolution that avoids overcrowded court calendars while still providing a binding decision. Most often, arbitration occurs because the parties have contractually agreed to submit disputes arising out of a contractual relationship to arbitration.  However, parties can nonetheless agree to arbitrate a dispute even when they would not otherwise be contractually required to do so. The parties usually have input into the selection of a specific arbitrator to handle a matter, and arbitrators will usually have specialized training or experience relevant to the area of law at issue in the dispute. 

If you need the assistance of an attorney experienced in arbitration, please contact Gess Mattingly & Atchison P.S.C. Since 1954, the firm has been representing clients throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and has grown to become a full-service law firm with the ability to serve a diverse clientele in a variety of practice areas, including, but not limited to: Administrative & Regulatory Law; Appellate Law; Arbitration & Mediation; Bankruptcy & Financial Restructuring; Business & Commercial Law; Civil Litigation; Commercial & Residential Real Estate; Construction Law; Criminal Defense & Expungements; Equine Law; Estate Planning, Litigation, and Probate Law; Family Law; Health Care Law; Insurance Law; Media & First Amendment Law; and State & Local Government Law. Call (859) 252-9000 to request a consultation, or visit the firm’s website (www.gmalaw.com) to learn more about the legal services the firm provides. This is an advertisement.