The program offers people an opportunity to resolve disputes involving smaller civil claims without having to go to court.
Arbitration is less expensive and faster for both parties, as well as the court system.
However, following passage of Initiative 695, the program was slated to be phased out. King County funded arbitration through April 1 in the 2000 budget. Since that time, program administrators have processed but not arbitrated cases. It also provides a cost-effective forum to resolve disputes and helps lessen an already crowded court docket. Under a new state law, the arbitration fee could not take affect until June 1.