• The parties and their attorneys can select their arbitrator, (they cannot select their judge).
• Attorneys are present to help.
• Arbitrators often work faster than a judge to decide disputes.
• Appointments are scheduled with the arbitrator at the mutual convenience of all concerned; no other cases compete for attention.
• Arbitration meetings tend to be less formal than court, so parties may feel more comfortable and confident to speak.
• The parties, not the court calendar, decide when and how much time the arbitrator spends on their case.

Disadvantages of Arbitration:

• Parties pay by the hour for the arbitrator’s time.
• The couple gives up their power to decide and leaves their fate in the hands of a third party stranger.
• The arbitrator’s authority is determined by the contract that the parties sign. Parties must carefully review exactly what issues are to be decided by the arbitrator.
• The arbitrator’s settlement is final and generally cannot be appealed.