Speed is one of the main reasons people choose arbitration. Court cases can take a year or more to reach a decision, while arbitration is built to move faster. The exact timeline depends on the case, the rules and how quickly each side responds. Here is a stage by stage look.
Stage 1: Filing the claim
You submit a description of the dispute and upload your evidence. Online filing through the eFile portal can be done in one sitting if your documents are ready.
Stage 2: Notice and response
The opposing party is notified and has a set time period to respond. This is often the stage where delays happen, so a complete and accurate contact for the other side helps.
Stage 3: Arbitrator selection
A neutral arbitrator is assigned to the case. Online providers can move quickly here because scheduling is done digitally.
Stage 4: Review and any hearing
The arbitrator reviews the submissions. Some cases are decided on documents alone, and others include a virtual hearing. Online hearings remove travel, which makes scheduling easier.
Stage 5: The award
The arbitrator issues a written decision. With Rapid Ruling, a binding and enforceable award is typically issued within weeks of filing, not years.
What speeds a case up
- Complete evidence at the start
- A clear, specific claim
- Prompt responses from both sides
- A straightforward issue, such as a payment dispute
What slows a case down
- Missing or late documents
- Requests for extensions
- Several parties or complex claims
- Disputes about whether arbitration applies
Arbitration vs court
Compare the full picture in our guide to arbitration vs litigation costs and timelines. To see how the process works in practice, read about online arbitration.
