Thomas O. Moens is an arbitrator for the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit of Illinois, and provides arbitration services throughout Illinois and Iowa.

 

Arbitration is more or less a hybrid of mediation and litigation. While it is much less structured than litigation, the decision-making process is invested in someone other than the parties. In arbitration, the parties present their cases to an impartial third party, called the arbitrator. The arbitrator then renders a decision.

 

In arbitration, the parties avoid some of the expense and time involved in litigation. However, they still give up control of the final decision. Arbitration can be more appropriate for circumstances when agreement between the parties is impossible. And, arbitrators are free to hand down more creative decisions than might be available to a judge or jury. Additionally, like mediation, arbitration is private, unlike the very public forum of litigation.

 

Our rates are $250 per hour for arbitration, $175 per hour for preparation (research and reading submissions from the parties or their counsel), and $125 per hour travel time. Fees are usually divided between the parties. We charge no administrative fees. Lunch will be provided for arbitrations at our office and lasting more than five hours.

 

To start the arbitration process, one or both parties can contact us. We can contact the other party to begin the process, if that is more appropriate in your circumstance.

1523 52nd Avenue, Moline, Illinois 61265, Telephone 309.736.3117, Facsimile 309.736.3143