Mandatory Arbitration – Circuit Court Programs
This page explains what mandatory arbitration is, when your case might be sent to a court’s arbitration program, and where to find help if you need support.
Arbitration is similar to a trial, but it happens outside the courthouse. Instead of a judge, the court assigns an arbitrator to decide your case. The court-approved arbitrator is usually a lawyer or retired judge. The arbitrator meets with both sides, listens to your evidence and your side of the story, and then makes a decision.
Civil Lawsuits
If you're being sued for a debt in Oregon and the amount is $50,000 or less, your case will probably go to mandatory arbitration instead of a trial. Mandatory arbitration does not apply to small claims lawsuits.
Divorce and Custody Cases
If you’re getting divorced and the only things you disagree on are how to divide property and debt, your case may go to mandatory arbitration instead of a trial.
Where to get help
- Court Self Help.
- A court clerk can give you basic information and forms.
- If you're going through a divorce, custody, or legal separation case in Oregon, free help is also available from family law facilitators. Read this Oregon Law Help article to learn more.
- Court clerks and family law facilitators cannot tell you what you should do or what an arbitrator will decide.