Superior Court >Civil Department >Arbitration Arbitration Guide Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the Court offer Arbitration? Arbitration is intended to lower court costs to litigants and allow the Court to utilize judicial resources more effectively. Where will my arbitration hearing be held? It could be at the Arizona Bar Center 602.340.7239, the arbitrator's private office or the office of one of the litigant's attorneys.

How do I know which arbitrator has my case? When an arbitrator has been appointed by the Arbitration Department, the Court issues and mails a minute enrty to the litigants with the arbitrator's name, phone number and address. Who do I call if I have an arbitration question? The Arbitration Department staff of Superior Court can answer inquiries regarding the arbitration process. Call 602.506.3850. Does the arbitrator have the same authority as a judge? Arbitrators have judicial authority to resolve cases without a trial. However, their final award is appealable to the Court. Am I under oath in an arbitration hearing? The arbitrator swears in all litigants at the onset of the arbitration hearing. Once sworn in, each party remains under oath until all testimony is completed. How do I know what Arbitration is? Arbitration is a mandatory program for disputes valued under $50,000. A court-appointed arbitrator reviews the case to decide a just resolution and award. Arbitration is intended to lower court costs for litigants and allow the Court to utilize judicial resources more effectively. How do I know what the rules are for Arbitration? http://www.supreme.state.az.us/rules/ How do I have an Arbitrator appointed? When filing a complaint, the plaintiff also must file a Certificate of Compulsory Arbitration which states the monetary amount of the controversy.
If the case is designated an arbitration case, an arbitrator is appointed once an answer to the complaint is filed. In cases involving a motion to dismiss, once the judge rules on the motion and the case is not dismissed, an arbitrator will be appointed. How do I know when and where the hearing will be? The Arbitrator will send a Notice of the Arbitration Hearing date time and place to all parties who have appeared in the case within the 120 days of the appointment. How do I know if the Arbitrator has made a decision? Ten days after the Arbitration hears the case they will file a Notice of Decision with the Clerk of the Court and send a copy to all of the parties who have appeared in the case. How do I receive the Arbitration Award? 10 days after the Notice of Decision the prevailing party submits a proposed award to the arbitrator for ruling. At that time the parties have the right to object to the proposed form of award by filing a Motion and providing it to the arbitrator stating their objections. Once the arbitrator compiles all of information they will file the award with the clerk of the court and mail a copy to the parties. How do I know when to appeal the award? The award needs to be filed with the clerk of the court before the clock starts running for the appeal. You will have 20 days from the filing of the award to appeal. The appeal fee must be paid before it can be processed. How do I know if the award has been filed? You can look for the award on our web site. How do I contact the Arbitration Desk with questions? Call (602) 506-3850. How do I strike Arbitrator? Within 10 days from the notice of appointment you will need to file A Notice of Strike with the clerk of court and send a copy to the arbitrator and all the parties who have appeared in the case and the arbitration desk by.

Mailing a copy to: Arbitration Clerk Civil Court Administration 201 West Jefferson Fourth Floor Phoenix, Az 85003

Delivering a copy to: Arbitration Clerk Civil Court Administration 125 West Washington Suite 003, Ground Floor Phoenix, Az 85003 [view map]