Councilmembers are expected to vote on the fee at its regular meeting on Monday, May 1. King County will save money in the long term by avoiding lengthy, expensive litigation. In addition, arbitration may be some residents best opportunity to have a day in court. Each year, the arbitration program handles approximately half of all civil, non-domestic cases noted for trial in King County. In addition, nearly 60 percent of cases referred to arbitration settle prior to their first hearing.
Cases typically take about fourth months to go through the arbitration process.
In contract, jury trials take an average of more than two years to complete. The county made it through the initial funding crisis, and successfully lobbied the legislature to keep this critical program running. By visiting this and other King County web pages, you expressly agree to be bound by terms and conditions of the site.