ResolveCA.orgCalifornia Commercial Mediation & Arbitration Center

ResolveCA Rules

Online-first rules for fair commercial dispute resolution.

ResolveCA's procedures are designed around neutrality, notice, opportunity to be heard, organized evidence exchange, and written awards where arbitration is selected.

Commercial Arbitration Rules

ResolveCA's Commercial Arbitration Rules are modeled on established commercial arbitration principles while providing a streamlined, online-first process designed specifically for California business disputes. ResolveCA is an independent dispute resolution organization and is not affiliated with the American Arbitration Association®, JAMS, any court, or any government agency.

  1. Scope. These rules apply when parties agree in writing to submit a commercial dispute to ResolveCA for mediation or arbitration.
  2. Commencement. A case begins when a party submits an intake request, pays any required filing fee, and ResolveCA accepts administration.
  3. Notice and Response. The responding party must receive reasonable notice and an opportunity to participate before any binding award is issued.
  4. Neutral Selection. ResolveCA may appoint a qualified mediator or arbitrator after reviewing administrative suitability.
  5. Preliminary Conference. The neutral may conduct a scheduling conference to set deadlines, evidence exchange, hearing format, and procedural expectations.
  6. Evidence and Submissions. Parties may submit contracts, invoices, emails, declarations, exhibits, and other materials relevant to the dispute.
  7. Hearings. Hearings may be conducted online unless ResolveCA and all parties agree otherwise.
  8. Award. In arbitration, the arbitrator may issue a written award based on the evidence, submissions, applicable agreement, and governing law.
  9. Fees. ResolveCA may require payment of filing, administrative, mediator, arbitrator, or hearing fees before proceeding.

Mediation Rules

Mediation is confidential, voluntary unless otherwise required by contract or order, and focused on settlement. The mediator does not issue a binding decision unless the parties separately enter into a written settlement agreement.