How long do you have to file a motion to compel arbitration?

Asked by: Dr. Jordyn Fadel Jr.  |  Last update: January 29, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (46 votes)

You must file a motion to compel arbitration promptly after the other party refuses to arbitrate, typically before taking other significant steps in litigation like extensive discovery, as delays (e.g., waiting 15 months) can lead to a finding of waiver of the right to arbitrate. While federal law (FAA) requires only five days' notice for the hearing after filing the petition, the real deadline depends on avoiding actions that suggest you've accepted the lawsuit over arbitration.

When must a motion to compel arbitration be filed?

The time to file a petition to compel arbitration does not begin to run until one party refuses to arbitrate. Then the four-year statute of limitations for a written contract begins to run. (Spear v. California State Automobile Association (1992) 2 Cal. App.

Is there a time limit for commencing arbitration?

Most of institutional rules do not specify the limitation period for the commencement of arbitration. Generally no time limits are specified under LCIA Rules, ICC Rules, LMAA Terms.

What is the limitation period for invoking arbitration?

It provides for a period of limitation of three years from the date when the right to apply accrues. Therefore, the Supreme Court has held that the period of limitation for application for appointment of an arbitrator under Section 11 shall be three years from the date when the right to apply accrues.

Is there a time limit to confirm arbitration award?

§ 9, a mandatory one-year deadline for seeking to confirm an arbitration award. Missing the deadline could have serious consequences in the event the client later wishes to have the award confirmed. The current split arises out of ambiguous language in Section 9 of the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. § 9 (FAA).

PART 2 | How To Win Your Debt Collection Lawsuit By Compelling Private Arbitration

20 related questions found

How to enforce an arbitration award?

The party seeking recognition and enforcement of an award must submit to the court a copy of the award and the parties' arbitration agreement. Typically, the award and related documents are authenticated through a short affidavit from counsel confirming that the copies are true and correct.

Can an appeal be filed after 90 days?

The Limitation Act 1963, however, provides the period for filing appeals. It states that appeals against a decree or order can be filed in a high court within 90 days and in any other court within 30 days from the date of the decree or order appealed against.

How long do you have to challenge an arbitration award?

Timeliness is key. Challenges must be filed: Within 3 months under the FAA. Within 90 days under the Uniform Arbitration Act.

Is there a statute of limitations for arbitration?

Absent any agreement to the contrary, the statute of limitations for civil actions, by its plain terms, does not apply to an arbitration proceeding. Arbitration is not the bringing of an action under the statutes of limitation, and parties are generally free to structure their arbitration agreements as they see fit.

What is the time limit for arbitration award enforcement?

The time limit for enforcement of arbitration awards in India is typically 12 years from the date of the award, as prescribed under the Limitation Act, 1963. However, timely enforcement is advisable to avoid procedural complications and potential objections from the opposing party.

How long do I have to file for arbitration?

This rule establishes that arbitration claims must generally be filed within six years of the occurrence or event giving rise to the claim.

What disputes cannot be resolved by arbitration?

Under Indian law, the kinds of disputes that can't be resolved by arbitration include: Criminal offences. Matrimonial disputes. Guardianship matters. Insolvency petitions.

What is the rule 17 of arbitration?

Rule 17.

The Arbitrator may modify these obligations at the Preliminary Conference. (b) Each Party may take one deposition of an opposing Party or of one individual under the control of the opposing Party. The Parties shall attempt to agree on the time, location and duration of the deposition.

Why would a judge deny a motion to compel?

A judge might deny a motion to compel for several reasons, including: The requested information was not essential to the case. The opposing party already produced the requested material. The motion did not specifically name what materials were being sought.

What happens after a motion to compel arbitration?

While the federal circuit courts are split on the question, the better rule seems to be that after granting a defendant's motion to compel arbitration, FAA §4 (9 U.S.C. §4), the court should stay the judicial proceeding pending the arbitration.

What disputes cannot be arbitrated?

A wide range of contractual and non-contractual claim s can be referred to arbitration in this jurisdiction. This includes disputes involving intellectual property rights, competition disputes and statutory claims. However, criminal and family law matters cannot be referred to arbitration.

What is the limitation period for arbitration?

Gaur Hari Singhania and Others [(2006) 4 SCC 658], while referring to Section 137 of the Limitation Act 1963, held that references of disputes to arbitration are to be made within three years from when the 'right to apply' accrues.

Can you still sue after signing an arbitration agreement?

In some instances, you may be able to sue if you signed a valid arbitration agreement. While courts generally favor arbitration agreements, they will allow you to file a lawsuit if either you didn't understand your rights or your claims fall outside the arbitration provision's scope.

What is the timeline for arbitration?

What is the timeline within which arbitral award need to be passed? This timeline of 6 months (Completion of Pleadings) + 12 months (Completion of Hearings and passing of Award) can be further extended by another 6 months only by the mutual consent of the parties.

How long to appeal denial of motion to compel arbitration?

(b) Time to appeal

(2) Twenty days after the party filing the notice of appeal serves or is served by a party with a document entitled "Notice of Entry" of the order dismissing or denying a petition to compel arbitration or a filed-endorsed copy of the order, accompanied by proof of service.

What are the odds of winning arbitration?

Arbitration is often in a condition of employment. For example, an employee complained that she's been biased and unfair. For example, research by Colvin reveals employees win 36.4 percent of discrimination cases in federal court and 43.8 percent in state court, but only 21.4 percent in arbitration.

What is the Jams rule 24?

(JAMS Rule 24(a).) Within seven days after JAMS serves the award, any party may serve on JAMS and all other parties a request that the arbitrator correct the award for a computational, typographical, or other ministerial error in the award, not a substantive matter affecting the merits (JAMS Rule 24(j)).

Can I still appeal after 30 days?

Generally, you must file an appeal within 30 days, but deadlines vary by jurisdiction and case type (civil, criminal, federal, state), with some extending to 60 days if the U.S. government is involved, or even shorter for specific matters like eviction cases; late filings usually lose the right to appeal, so act quickly and consult a lawyer to confirm your exact deadline. 

What is the time limit for arbitration award appeal?

The provision stipulates that any application to set aside an arbitration award may not be filed after three months from the date of the passing of the award. However, it vests the Courts with the authority to extend this period by up to 30 days, but not after that.

Can you appeal after 28 days?

Usually within 28 days of your conviction or sentence. You may be able to appeal after this. Ask your solicitor for advice. Ask to speak to someone in prison called a legal services officer.