Start An Arbitration
Resolve disputes quickly, fairly, and inexpensively with DecisionLayer's online dispute resolution platform. Arbitrations cost $500–$2,500, take around 45 days, and the parties receive a binding, court-enforceable award1.
How it works:
Tell us about your dispute. Give us a two sentence description and the contract underlying the dispute (if you have it).
DecisionLayer creates a “Notice of Intent to Arbitrate” and emails it to the counterparty. You also get a link you can send or text.
The other party consents and you each make your argument on DecisionLayer.
A human arbitrator supported by cutting-edge AI tools issues a binding, legal award you can enforce in court.
Why do people choose DecisionLayer?
Court cases and traditional arbitration can take months or years and cost tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. Your counterparty's choice is to go through that, or consent to resolve your dispute on DecisionLayer for a fraction of the time and cost.
Cost Comparison Estimate
Estimated costs to resolve this dispute through different channels
DecisionLayer
$1,500
Estimated duration: ~10 days
Estimated duration: ~10 days. Given the respondent's 'wrong person' defense, the claimant would need to gather specific account registration details, usage logs, and billing history to confirm identity and prepare a concise online submission. This level of effort is estimated at 2 hours, well within the 1-3 hour guideline for DecisionLayer's streamlined process.
Traditional Arbitration
$24,525
Estimated duration: ~5 months
Estimated duration: ~5 months. This is a small claim ($9,000) with a primary dispute over identity. The estimate assumes expedited commercial arbitration. Filing fees are based on typical AAA schedules for claims under $10,000. Arbitrator fees reflect several hours for document review and a short hearing. Lawyer hours account for initial assessment, drafting pleadings, limited discovery, and preparing for/attending a hearing. Executive time includes working with counsel, document gathering, and potential testimony preparation. Duration is estimated for an expedited process given the claim size and relatively straightforward 'wrong person' defense, which still requires factual investigation.
Court Litigation
$38,000
Estimated duration: ~8 months
Estimated duration: ~8 months. This $9,000 claim involves an identity dispute. Court litigation is estimated to be longer and more expensive due to formal procedures. Filing and service fees are typical for small claims or lower civil courts. Lawyer hours are higher than arbitration to cover extensive pleadings, more formal discovery (interrogatories, document requests, potentially a deposition), motion practice, and trial preparation/attendance. Executive hours are also increased due to the demands of discovery and trial. The duration reflects typical court timelines, even for relatively simple cases, due to docketing and procedural steps.
Example case: Dropbox claims user John Adam owes $9,000 in unpaid subscription fees after nine months of failed billing attempts. Adam denies being the account holder, raising a "wrong person" identity defense.
Cost estimates are AI-generated. Actual costs may vary based on your specific jurisdiction, chosen counsel, case developments, and facts not submitted with this simulation. This simulation and cost estimate does not predict or guarantee any specific outcome or account for ancillary litigation expenses. Costs may evolve over time and fees are subject to DecisionLayer's Terms of Service. Decision Science Research Corporation d/b/a DecisionLayer is not a law firm and this simulation does not create an attorney-client relationship or constitute legal advice.
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Disclaimer: Decision Science Research Corporation d/b/a DecisionLayer provides arbitration services and technology; it is not a law firm, and its employees, agents, and AI systems are not acting as your attorneys. Legal standards regarding arbitration, the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA), and the enforceability of AI-generated awards are subject to change and vary by jurisdiction. You are advised to consult with qualified legal counsel to review your specific arbitral agreements and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws.
Arbitration awards rendered through DecisionLayer are intended to be binding and enforceable under the FAA, though individual court results may vary based on specific case facts and local jurisdictions. Each arbitration award is finally reviewed and issued by a human arbitrator acting within their sole discretion. Accordingly, Case Simulator results are for informational purposes only and may not be relied upon as binding predictions of legal outcomes. See our White Paper on Enforceability for more information.