Glossary
Every term you will meet in a case, defined in a sentence or two. No law degree required.
A private process for resolving a dispute. Both sides present their case to a neutral arbitrator, who issues a final, binding decision.
The written agreement in which both sides consent to resolve disputes by arbitration instead of court. It can live in a signed contract, in posted terms, or in community rules.
The arbitrator's final written decision. It states who prevails and what, if anything, is owed.
Final and enforceable. A binding decision is one both sides must follow, because they agreed in advance to accept it.
The party who files the case. The claimant states what happened and what they believe they are owed.
A court order recognizing an arbitration award. Under the Federal Arbitration Act, a confirmed award has the force of a court judgment.
A claim the respondent files back against the claimant, decided in the same case.
The phase after the record closes, when the arbitrator reviews everything on file and prepares the award.
The official, chronological record of a case. Every filing, notice, and exhibit is entered on the docket.
Collecting on an award after it is issued. Once a court confirms the award, it can be enforced with the same tools as a court judgment.
The phase when both parties may enter exhibits on the record for the arbitrator to review.
A document, photo, or record entered on the docket as evidence. A contract, an invoice, or a camera photo can each be an exhibit.
The federal statute governing arbitration in the United States since 1925. It makes written arbitration agreements enforceable and lets courts confirm awards.
The independent decision maker in a case. The arbitrator has no stake in the outcome and decides on the record, under the governing rules.
Resolving a dispute through an online forum instead of a courtroom or hearing room, from filing through the final decision.
The docketed record showing the respondent was properly notified, including delivery confirmations and certified mail tracking.
The party a claim is filed against. The respondent is served with notice and may respond, settle, or file a counterclaim.
The legal home of the arbitration, stated as a city and state on the case record. The seat helps determine which courts handle confirmation.
Formal delivery of the notice of arbitration to the respondent, typically by email and certified mail, so they know a case has been filed and how to respond.
An agreement between the parties that resolves the dispute before the arbitrator decides it. Parties can settle at any point in a case.
The claimant's written account of the dispute: what happened, the amount at stake, and what they are asking for.
The respondent's written answer to the claim, giving their side of the dispute.
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