If you have received a “notice of arbitration” in the mail or through another delivery service, it is because someone (a “Claimant”) has filed an arbitration claim against you. This is most likely related to a contract you entered with another party that contains an arbitration agreement (for more information, go to Arbitration in Contracts).

How To Respond to an Arbitration Claim

Once you have received a notice of arbitration, do not ignore it, you must respond in order to tell your side of the story. But how?

1. Consider Legal Help

First, you have the right to seek out legal advice and representation in an arbitration claim, however you are not required to hire an attorney to proceed.

2. Identify Arbitration Service Provider

The next step is to identify the name of the arbitration administrator. The arbitration administrator is the group or organization with whom the claim was filed. If you received a notice of arbitration, you can find the name of the arbitration administrator there.

There are many different arbitration administrators. Some specialize in particular areas or industries. Three of the largest arbitration administrators in the United States are the American Arbitration Association, the National Arbitration Forum, and JAMS.

3. Contact Arbitration Service Provider

After identifying the arbitration administrator, visit the administrator’s website or contact customer support for exact guidelines on how to respond to the claim or to obtain the necessary response forms. Each administrator will have its own rules that govern the arbitration proceedings.

4. Begin Response

Although each arbitration administrator has different response guidelines, in general, a response will be required 1) in writing; and, 2) within a given time period. The response may also be the appropriate time to deny claims, provide evidence to support your response, request a hearing, or to file counterclaims.

NOTE: Even if you believe that you have received the notice of arbitration by mistake or you do not understand the claim against you, do not ignore it. You should identify and contact the arbitration administrator for further information or to correct the error.