Arbitration is perhaps the most popular and widely known dispute resolution process and is a useful alternative to the time, costs and complexities associated with litigation. Arbitration is a usually voluntary process that involves a neutral arbitrator examining a dispute between two parties, then rendering a resolution to solve the dispute.
Our very own Brad Bianchin, lawyer at Saanichton Law Group, is a Qualified Arbitrator (Q. Arb) with certification from the Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute of Canada (ADRIC). As a Qualified Arbitrator, Brad is able to assist clients in resolving legal disputes without incurring the costs, time and complexities associated with civil litigation.
Benefits of Arbitration
- Flexibility and speed: Arbitration allows you to proceed quickly because the parties are not subject to the usual delay between readiness for trial and hearing date. In addition, the arbitrator may establish a tight schedule, thus ensuring a quick hearing. Hearing dates are fixed in accordance with your priorities and availability and not with a waiting list.
- Choosing the arbitrator: Having the possibility to participate in choosing the arbitrator(s) proves a definite advantage compared with the common law courts. Arbitration allows the parties involved to choose among proven arbitrators for technical and/or legal reasons, including those who know best on how to conduct adversarial debates. A long arbitration process is rarely in the interest of either party. With that in mind, you may decide to select an arbitrator known for their efficiency in rendering decisions quickly to avoid this undesirable outcome.In short, arbitration allows you to choose the judge and assures a hearing at an appointed date and time. It is made-to-measure justice; some will even say “fast track justice”.
- Decisions made are usually final: Once a decision has been reached by an arbitrator, both parties involved can move forward with less concern over appeals when compared to litigation. Although decisions made by an arbitrator are subject to Court approval, the Court can only refuse to approve the decision based on a handful of legal grounds. In almost all cases, your arbitrator will ensure that the entire process is ‘above board’, and not vulnerable for refusal of approval by the Court.
- Confidentiality of the process: Arbitration in British Columbia is subject to legislation which provides that arbitration in the province is private and confidential unless agreed otherwise by both parties. By ensuring confidentiality and and privacy in the resolution of legal disputes, arbitration enables both parties to resolve their differences without undue outside influence. Although the details of the vast majority of legal disputes of all types are not widely known by the public, arbitration provides additional reassurance that outside opinions or influence will not impact the dispute at hand.
The lawyers at Saanichton Law Group are here to help you with your legal needs in Arbitration, as well as Wills & Estates, Representation Agreements, Real Estate, Power of Attorney, Mortgages and Corporate Law. Call us at (250) 544-0727 or email us at info@saanichtonlaw.com for more details on how we can assist you.
