An arbitrator is a third party who hears both sides of an argument and then makes an impartial decision. The decision announced by an arbitrator is often as binding as if it was announced by a judge.
The final decision of an arbitrator is called a ruling. The final decision of an arbitrator is called an award.
Decision of the arbitrator
Decision of the Arbitrator
Decision of the arbitrator
Decision of the arbitrator
Decision of the arbitrator
Decision of the arbitrator
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Non-binding arbitration
The source of an arbitrator's authority comes from the parties to the dispute being arbitrated. Both parties agree that their dispute will be settled through arbitration rather than through litigation and they enter into a contract promising that the arbitration will be binding they will abide by the decision of the arbitrator. If one party refuses to honor the arbitrator's decision, the other party can go to court and have the court enforce the arbitration decision, but it won't have to litigate the actual dispute all over again.
In binding arbitration, the parties contractually agree that they will be bound and abide by the decision of the arbitrator. In non-binding arbitration, each party is free to reject the decision of the arbitrator and either do nothing or take the matter to court.
It's a process where both sides come together and agree to follow and respect the decision of the arbitrator. The arbitrator is usually an attorney familiar with the field of law being decided. The decision of the arbitrator is legally binding against both parties. As you can see from the description, the decision is rendered by a lawyer so it naturally follows that having a lawyer on your side that knows the law (and thus what the arbitrator can and cannot decide) is a very helpful advocate. The most important role a lawyer plays in your ADR would be to help you determine whether ADR is the right process for your situation.