Arbitrament: A Comprehensive Guide to Its Legal Significance

Definition & Meaning

Arbitrament refers to the authority to make a final decision or judgment, either for oneself or on behalf of others. It is closely associated with the process of arbitration, where disputes are resolved outside of the court system. The term has evolved from its earlier spelling, "arbitrement," and has been widely accepted in legal contexts since around 1830. In arbitration, the decision made by the arbitrators is also known as the arbitrament.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A business partnership dispute arises, and the partners agree to resolve it through arbitration. The arbitrator reviews the evidence and issues an arbitrament that determines how the partnership assets will be divided.

Example 2: In a family law case, a couple decides to use arbitration to settle custody arrangements for their children. The arbitrator's decision becomes the arbitrament that both parties must follow. (hypothetical example)

State-by-state differences

Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):

State Arbitration Rules
California Requires arbitration agreements to be in writing.
New York Has specific statutes governing arbitration, including the New York Arbitration Act.
Texas Allows for expedited arbitration processes in certain cases.

This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Key Differences
Arbitration A method of resolving disputes outside of court. Arbitration is the process; arbitrament is the decision made.
Mediation A process where a neutral third party helps parties reach a voluntary agreement. Mediation does not result in a binding decision like arbitrament does.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you find yourself in a situation where arbitrament applies, consider the following steps:

  • Review any existing contracts to see if they include arbitration clauses.
  • Gather relevant documentation and evidence related to your dispute.
  • Consider using US Legal Forms to access templates that can help you initiate arbitration.
  • If the situation is complex, consulting with a legal professional may be beneficial.

Quick facts

  • Typical fees: Varies by arbitrator and complexity of the case.
  • Jurisdiction: Depends on the arbitration agreement and applicable state laws.
  • Possible penalties: Non-compliance with arbitrament may lead to legal enforcement actions.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

Arbitration is a private dispute resolution process, while litigation involves resolving disputes in a public court.