Everything you need to know about arbitration

A plain-English definition of arbitration — what it means, how it works, and when it's used to resolve a dispute without going to court.

The difference between arbitration, mediation, and going to court — who decides, whether it's binding, and which is right for your dispute.

What binding arbitration means, how it differs from non-binding, whether you can appeal, and how an award is enforced.

Step by step: demand for arbitration, selecting an arbitrator, the hearing, evidence, and the award — plus how long it takes.

What arbitration costs, who pays the arbitrator and filing fees, and how it compares to the cost of litigation.

What an arbitration agreement or clause is, whether you should sign one, whether they're enforceable, and how to opt out.

What forced and mandatory arbitration mean, whether they're legal, the debate around them, and recent law changes.

Arbitration in the workplace — employment arbitration agreements, what they cover, whether you must sign, and your rights.

Arbitration clauses in consumer contracts, class-action waivers, mass arbitration, and how to opt out (banks, apps, telecom).

How FINRA arbitration works for investors and brokers — recovering investment losses, the process, and finding a securities arbitration lawyer.

Using arbitration to resolve divorce and family disputes — property, support, and custody — privately and faster than court.

Arbitration of construction disputes — contract, delay, and defect claims — under AAA construction rules and industry contracts.

How arbitration resolves insurance claims and car-accident disputes — bad faith, appraisal vs. arbitration, and inter-company claims.

Cross-border dispute resolution — ICC, LCIA, SIAC, and ICSID rules, investment treaty arbitration, and enforcing awards worldwide.

The major arbitration organizations — AAA, JAMS, FINRA, ICC — and the rules that govern how a case is run.

When you need an arbitration attorney, what they do, and how to get matched with the right one for your dispute.

How salary arbitration works in Major League Baseball and the NHL — eligibility, the hearing, and why it's different from legal arbitration.