FORUM Arbitration Process

1. Claim Filed - A party files an arbitration claim with the National Arbitration Forum. This party is known as the Claimant. The FORUM processes the arbitration claim, and notifies the Claimant that either the claim has been accepted or has deficiencies to correct.

2. Service - After being notified that the claim has been processed, the Claimant then serves the other party(s), known as the Respondent(s), with the claim documents and a Notice of Arbitration in accordance with Rule 6 of the Code of Procedure.

3. Response - The Respondent files a written response with the FORUM. If the Respondent does not provide a written response, the arbitration advances to the hearing step. If the Respondent does provide a written response, the arbitration process continues.

4. Hearing Selection – Parties follow the appropriate procedures to select either a document or participatory hearing. In participatory hearings, the parties appear in-person, online, or by telephone. In document hearings, parties do not appear; they submit evidence in writing.

5. Arbitrator Appointment - Parties have the opportunity to select an arbitrator on mutually agreeable terms, or they can opt to have the FORUM appoint an arbitrator. Parties have the right to remove an appointed arbitrator once for no cause and to disqualify an appointed arbitrator as many times as they submit reason.

6. Discovery, Written Documents, and Witness Statement - Parties request pertinent documents and information from the other party. The parties’ submissions must be provided to the FORUM who then sends it to the Arbitrator.

7. Hearing - The arbitrator receives testimony or arguments and/or reviews documents or property.

8. Award - The arbitrator completes the review of documents, statements, and case information, and issues an award or order establishing the rights and obligations.