From the moment you file to the moment the case closes. Most cases move from filing to resolution in 30 to 60 days.
Submit through the online form with the parties' contact info, the governing-document provision, the amount in dispute, and a statement of the issue. The administrative fee is paid at filing — $125 for mediation, $200 for arbitration. The other party is served notice automatically.
The responding party has 10 days to file their response. If they decline mediation, we'll let you know. If they accept, the matter moves forward.
HOA-ADR appoints a qualified mediator from our roster — minimum 5 years' experience in real estate, property management, or HOA governance. The mediator discloses any potential conflicts; either party may challenge the appointment within 5 days.
The mediator contacts both parties to schedule a mutually available time. The session itself is held within 30 days of appointment. Each party pays their 4-hour minimum before the scheduling conference.
Each party submits a brief mediation statement to the mediator and the other side, along with key supporting documents — current account statements for the association, payment records for the owner.
Conducted virtually by default. The mediator may caucus privately with each side. Everything said is confidential and protected from later proceedings. If a settlement is reached, it's reduced to writing and signed before the session ends.
If the parties settle, the agreement is enforceable as a contract. If not, mediation terminates and the parties may proceed to arbitration or litigation. Anything discussed during mediation remains confidential.
Submit through the online form. The $150 (virtual) or $200 (in-person) administrative fee is paid at filing. The respondent is served notice automatically.
The respondent has 10 days to file their response — admitting or denying the claims, raising counterclaims, and noting any objections to arbitrability or the choice of virtual vs. in-person hearing.
HOA-ADR appoints a qualified arbitrator. Disclosure and challenge process is identical to mediation. Both parties pay their 4-hour minimum before the preliminary conference.
Conducted by video conference. The arbitrator addresses scheduling, document exchange, whether a document-only arbitration is appropriate, and whether the hearing will be virtual or in-person.
Each party exchanges all documents they intend to rely on, plus a witness list. The association provides a certified statement of account, 36 months of payment history, relevant governing-document provisions, and board minutes for the assessments at issue. The owner provides payment records and any defenses.
4-hour minimum, conducted by video unless agreed otherwise. Each side presents evidence and argument. Formal rules of evidence don't apply, but legal privilege is observed. Hearings are confidential.
The arbitrator issues a written award stating findings of fact, conclusions on Georgia law and the governing documents, and the disposition of all claims — assessments, late fees, interest, costs, and attorney's fees if authorized.
The award is final and binding. Either party may immediately seek judicial confirmation, which converts it to a court judgment. Any challenge must be filed within 30 days under our shortened review period.
For disputes of $15,000 or less, expedited procedures apply automatically — unless both parties agree otherwise.
You'll need the parties' contact info, a copy of the relevant governing-document provision, and a clear statement of what's in dispute. We'll guide you through the rest.
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