Contract issues
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Contract issues
I entered into a grain contract with a small broker/ buyer. He did not comply with pickup of the grain. I sold elsewhere. After a year of legal suit and 2 depositions that did not go his way, in an 11th hour announcement one week before trial in circuit court, they announce that they feel the case must go to arbitration according to the rules of an association they are a member of. His contract does mention that rules of the ass. apply but does not mention arbitration, nor was it discussed with me. I did not sign a contract with him. Can he force me into arbitration?
Asked on May 13, 2009 under Business Law, Arkansas
Answers:
J.M.A., Member in Good Standing of the Connecticut Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 14 years ago | Contributor
The rule in most states is clear that unless you agree to arbitrate in a contract, you cannot be foreced to arbitrate. I would need to see the actual contract that you had with the buyer, but if the contract does not say that all disputes arising out of the contract shall be arbitrated.... something to that affect, I do not see how you can be forced to arbitrate. Did your lawyer's make a deal? What was the court's basis for requiring arbitration? You should discuss this with your lawyers so you can be informed as to why you are being railroaded in this direction.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.