Notification and Scheduling of Arbitration Hearing

Preliminary Conference. The parties, their attorneys or representatives shall hold a preliminary conference via telephone or video conference at a reasonable date soon after the appointment of the arbitrator, unless the arbitrator determines that a preliminary conference is unnecessary, or unless the parties agree to dispense with the preliminary conference and the arbitrator does not object to such dispensing. The preliminary conference may proceed in the absence of any party or representative who, after due notice, fails to be present or fails to obtain a postponement. (2) Notice of Arbitration Acceptance. Within seven business days after the acceptance of a request for arbitration form, OCABR shall mail or email notice thereof to the parties. (3) Additional Claims and Amendments. Additional claims and amendments may not be submitted without approval from the arbitrator. Approval shall not be granted later than ten business days prior to the hearing. (4) Notice of Hearing. The arbitrator shall mail notice of the date, time, location of the hearing, and name of the arbitrator to both parties no later than 20 business days prior to the hearing, unless both parties agree to an earlier date acceptable to the arbitrator. (5) Hearing Date. The date of the hearing shall be fixed by the arbitrator and shall be within 90 business days of the acceptance of the request for arbitration form. The arbitrator may extend the 90 business day hearing period only upon a showing of extraordinary circumstances or upon the written consent of both parties.