How Long Does Arbitration Take? Timeline & Duration

If you are facing a dispute and weighing your options, one of the first questions you probably have is: how long does arbitration take? The answer depends on several factors, but most domestic arbitration cases resolve in 2 to 12 months -- far faster than the 18-to-24-month average for civil litigation in U.S. federal courts. A straightforward consumer dispute might wrap up in as little as 60 days, while a multi-party commercial case with millions of dollars at stake could stretch past a year.

This guide breaks down the arbitration timeline phase by phase, explains what drives the duration up or down, and gives you realistic benchmarks so you can plan accordingly.

The Arbitration Timeline: Phase by Phase

Every arbitration case moves through a predictable series of stages. Understanding each phase helps you set realistic expectations and avoid unnecessary delays.

Phase 1: Filing and Response (2-6 Weeks)

The process begins when the claimant files a demand for arbitration. This filing includes a statement of the claim, the relief sought, and any supporting documents. The respondent then has a set period -- typically 14 to 30 days -- to submit an answer and any counterclaims.

At this early stage, administrative tasks also take place: confirming the arbitration agreement exists, selecting the governing rules, and paying initial filing fees. If you are unsure how to get started, see our guide on filing an arbitration claim: step-by-step process.

Phase 2: Arbitrator Selection (2-4 Weeks)

The parties select an arbitrator (or a panel of three for larger disputes). Most rules give each side a ranked list of candidates and 10 to 15 business days to strike names. Sole-arbitrator cases move faster. Under the Federal Arbitration Act (9 U.S.C. Section 5), if the parties' agreed selection method fails, the court can appoint an arbitrator, which adds extra time.

Phase 3: Preliminary Conference and Scheduling (1-3 Weeks)

The arbitrator holds a conference call to set ground rules: the scope of document exchange, deadlines for written submissions, and hearing dates. This conference produces a procedural order -- the roadmap for the rest of the case. A well-organized conference can shave weeks off the overall arbitration duration.

Phase 4: Discovery and Document Exchange (4-12 Weeks)

Unlike court litigation, arbitration typically involves limited discovery. There are no lengthy interrogatory battles or broad subpoena fights. Instead, parties exchange relevant documents and, in some cases, take one or two depositions.

However, discovery remains the most variable phase. Simple cases with clear contracts may need only a few document exchanges over four weeks. Complex commercial or employment disputes sometimes require expert reports, forensic accounting, or electronic data reviews that stretch this phase to three months or more.

For guidance on gathering and organizing your materials, read our article on preparing for arbitration: evidence and documentation.

Phase 5: The Hearing (1 Day to 2 Weeks)

The arbitration hearing is where both sides present testimony, cross-examine witnesses, and submit evidence. Most hearings are shorter than trials. A consumer dispute or small commercial case might need a single day. A complex case with multiple witnesses and expert testimony could take 5 to 10 hearing days spread over several weeks.

Digital platforms like Arbitration.net conduct hearings entirely online through secure video conferencing, which eliminates travel delays and scheduling headaches that plague in-person proceedings.

Phase 6: Post-Hearing Briefs and Award (4-8 Weeks)

After the hearing closes, each side may file a post-hearing brief (two to four weeks). The arbitrator then issues the final award. The AAA Commercial Arbitration Rules require the award within 30 days of the hearing's close.

The entire process, from filing to award, adds up as follows:

| Phase | Typical Duration | |---|---| | Filing and response | 2-6 weeks | | Arbitrator selection | 2-4 weeks | | Preliminary conference | 1-3 weeks | | Discovery and document exchange | 4-12 weeks | | Hearing | 1 day to 2 weeks | | Post-hearing briefs and award | 4-8 weeks | | Total (simple case) | 2-4 months | | Total (moderate case) | 6-9 months | | Total (complex case) | 12-18 months |

How Long Does Arbitration Take by Dispute Type?

The arbitration duration varies significantly by the type of case. Here are realistic 2026 benchmarks based on published data:

Consumer disputes: The fastest category. A billing dispute or service complaint often resolves in 60 to 90 days. Many consumer rules include fast-track options that cap the process at 60 days for smaller claims.

Employment disputes: According to AAA data (2024), nearly 40% of labor cases settled, with most closing in under 300 days. Wage-and-hour and wrongful termination cases typically fall in the 6-to-12-month range.

Commercial disputes: The AAA reports a median time to award of 21.5 months for claims exceeding $1 million (2024 data), but small claims under $1 million have been resolved in as little as 1.1 months through fast-track procedures.

Securities/FINRA disputes: Cases that settle take about 12 months. Cases that go to a full hearing average roughly 16 months.

International disputes: LCIA data shows a median of 16 months, with cases under $1 million resolving in about 9 months and larger cases ($10-$100 million) taking approximately 18 months.

Key Factors That Affect Arbitration Duration

Understanding what drives the arbitration timeline helps you take steps to speed things up -- or at least avoid surprise delays.

• Case complexity: A single-issue contract dispute resolves faster than a multi-count claim involving fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and injunctive relief. Each additional claim adds evidence, witnesses, and hearing time.
• Dollar amount at stake: A $500,000 claim warrants more extensive discovery than a $10,000 consumer complaint. Higher stakes mean more preparation.
• Number of parties: Multi-party arbitrations -- common in construction and corporate disputes -- add coordination challenges and scheduling delays compared to two-party cases.
• Discovery disagreements: Fights over the scope of document exchange can add two to four weeks each time the arbitrator must step in to resolve them.
• Arbitrator availability: If your chosen arbitrator is booked months out, hearing dates get pushed back. Choosing an arbitrator with near-term openings is a simple way to shorten the process.
• Party cooperation: When both sides exchange documents promptly and meet deadlines, the process flows smoothly. Obstructive tactics by either party can double the timeline.
• Fast-track vs. standard rules: The AAA Fast Track Procedures apply automatically to claims of $75,000 or less and aim for hearing completion within 45 days of the arbitrator appointment. Opting into fast-track rules is one of the best ways of reducing arbitration costs: strategies for savings and shortening your timeline.

Arbitration vs. Court: A Duration Comparison

Speed is one of the strongest reasons people choose arbitration. Simple disputes that take 2 to 4 months in arbitration can take 12 to 18 months in court. Complex cases that resolve in 12 to 18 months through arbitration may drag on for 3 to 5 years or more in litigation.

Arbitration awards also carry finality. Under the Federal Arbitration Act (9 U.S.C. Section 10), courts can only vacate an award for corruption, evident partiality, arbitrator misconduct, or the arbitrator exceeding their powers. The U.S. Supreme Court reinforced this narrow standard in Hall Street Associates, LLC v. Mattel, Inc., 552 U.S. 576 (2008). Court judgments, by contrast, face appeals that can add years.

For a deeper look at how costs compare over these timelines, see our articles on how much does arbitration cost? complete fee guide and arbitration vs court costs: which is cheaper?.

Practical Tips to Speed Up Your Arbitration

Based on real-world case patterns, here are proven strategies to keep your arbitration timeline tight:

1. Choose a sole arbitrator unless more than $500,000 is at stake. A single arbitrator eliminates panel coordination delays.
2. Agree on limited discovery upfront. Suggest a focused document exchange with firm deadlines at the preliminary conference.
3. Use a digital platform. Online arbitration through Arbitration.net eliminates travel time and simplifies scheduling.
4. Lock in hearing dates early during the preliminary conference while calendars are still open.
5. Prepare evidence in advance. Organized, clearly labeled evidence files and pre-written witness statements save hearing time.
6. Consider document-only arbitration. For simpler disputes, both sides can skip the hearing and let the arbitrator decide on written submissions alone.

How Arbitration.net Can Help

At Arbitration.net, our fully digital platform compresses the arbitration timeline at every stage. Automated scheduling, secure document exchange, and virtual hearings eliminate the logistical delays of traditional proceedings. Whether your dispute is worth $5,000 or $5 million, our platform matches you with qualified arbitrators and keeps your case moving.

Explore your options at Arbitration.net or get in touch at (888) 885-5060 to discuss your case timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a simple arbitration case take from start to finish?

A simple case -- such as a consumer billing dispute or a small contract claim under $75,000 -- typically takes 2 to 4 months from filing to award. Cases that qualify for fast-track procedures may resolve even faster, sometimes within 60 days.

What is the fastest type of arbitration?

Document-only arbitration (also called desk arbitration) is the fastest format. Both sides submit evidence and arguments in writing, and the arbitrator decides without a live hearing. This can produce an award in as little as 30 to 45 days. Arbitration.net supports this streamlined format.

Can I speed up my arbitration if the other party is causing delays?

Yes. The arbitrator can set firm deadlines, sanction parties for delays, and limit discovery to prevent stalling. You can request a scheduling order with consequences for non-compliance. Under most rules, an arbitrator may also proceed in the absence of a non-appearing party and issue a default award.

How long does the arbitrator have to issue a final award?

This depends on the applicable rules. The AAA Commercial Arbitration Rules require the award within 30 days of the hearing closing. The FAA does not set a specific deadline for the arbitrator to issue an award, but parties can agree to one in their arbitration clause. Under 9 U.S.C. Section 12, a party who wants to challenge the award must file a motion to vacate within three months of the award being delivered.

Where can I get help estimating the timeline for my specific dispute?

Every case is different, and the best way to get a realistic timeline estimate is to discuss the details with an arbitration professional. Visit Arbitration.net or reach us at (888) 885-5060 to talk through your situation and understand what to expect.

This article is for educational purposes and is not legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance on your specific dispute.