Frequently Asked Questions

Arbitration is a private, efficient method of dispute resolution where two or more parties agree to have their case heard by a neutral third party (an arbitrator) instead of going to court.

Unlike traditional court litigation, arbitration is typically faster, more flexible, and entirely confidential.

Yes, arbitration awards are legally binding and enforceable in a court of law. When parties agree to arbitrate a dispute, they commit to accepting the arbitrator's decision as the final resolution of their case.

Furthermore, under the New York Convention of 1958, arbitral awards can be readily recognized and enforced in over 170 countries worldwide.

If a client or partner hasn't paid, you can often recover the debt without destroying the business relationship. Amicable resolution and alternative dispute resolution methods allow you to address the issue professionally before escalating.

Read more:
• Client hasn’t paid? How to recover unpaid invoices professionally
• My Foreign Partner Isn't Paying
• How to Resolve Unpaid Invoices Without Going to Court

Yes. International litigation in state courts is notoriously expensive and slow. International arbitration offers a structured, private, and enforceable alternative that is often faster and much more cost-effective.

Read more:
• Suing a Business Partner Overseas Is Expensive. What's the Alternative?
• How much does arbitration really cost compared to court?

While court proceedings are public and subject to rigid national laws, arbitration and mediation are private alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods. Arbitration results in a legally binding decision (an award), whereas mediation relies on the parties reaching an agreement voluntarily.

Read more:
• Arbitration vs mediation vs court – which resolves disputes fastest?

Yes. Thanks to the New York Convention, arbitral awards are enforceable in over 170 countries. This gives them broader international enforceability than a typical domestic court judgment — no equivalent global recognition treaty exists for state court judgments.

Read more:
• Is Online Arbitration Legally Binding? What Enforceable Awards Really Mean

This depends heavily on the governing law and jurisdiction clauses in your contract. It's crucial to understand the distinction between the two to avoid expensive procedural battles over where a case should be heard.

Read more:
• Which country’s law applies in cross-border contract disputes?

A well-drafted clause prevents cross-border chaos by clearly specifying the governing law, the chosen dispute resolution method, the seat of arbitration, and the language of proceedings.

Read more:
• What to include in a dispute resolution clause for cross-border contracts

Arbitration is consensual, but if an arbitration clause is written into your contract, state courts will generally enforce it. Even without a clause, sending a formal invitation to arbitrate signals your willingness to resolve the matter professionally and can shift the strategic dynamics of the dispute.

Read more:
• What happens if the other party refuses arbitration?
• Settle an International Contract Dispute Without Going to Court