Opinion ID: 1880976
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Iowa's Arbitration Statute

Text: Iowa Code chapter 679 governs arbitration procedures. Section 679A.1(2) governs the validity of arbitration agreements found in contract provisions addressing future controversies between the parties to the contract: A provision in a written contract to submit to arbitration a future controversy arising between the parties is valid, enforceable, and irrevocable unless grounds exist at law or in equity for the revocation of the contract. This subsection shall not apply to any of the following: a. A contract of adhesion. b. A contract between employers and employees. c. Unless otherwise provided in a separate writing executed by all parties to the contract, any claim sounding in tort whether or not involving a breach of contract. Section 679A.2 addresses proceedings to compel or stay arbitration: 1. On application of a party showing an agreement described in section 679A.1 and the opposing party's refusal to arbitrate, the district court shall order the parties to proceed with arbitration. However, if the opposing party denies the existence of a valid and enforceable agreement to arbitrate, the district court shall proceed to the determination of the issue and shall order arbitration if a valid and enforceable agreement is found to exist. If no such agreement exists, the court shall deny the application.