Court Services · Arbitrators and administration
Arbitration Services in Tennessee
DFS provides neutral arbitrators for most civil disputes, along with the administration and hearing logistics an arbitration needs, for parties who have agreed to resolve their dispute outside court.
Arbitration needs a neutral and a calendar
Arbitration moves outside the courthouse, but the paperwork and logistics do not disappear. Someone has to set dates, move exhibits, deliver notices and keep the record straight.
When the parties are not using a large administering institution, they need someone impartial to hear the dispute and someone to run the logistics. DFS can provide either or both.
What DFS provides
Neutral arbitrators for most civil disputes, with scheduling, document logistics, hearing setup and records.
- Neutral arbitratorAn impartial arbitrator with no stake in the outcome, who discloses conflicts and advises neither party.
- SchedulingCoordinating dates among counsel, parties, witnesses and the arbitrator.
- Document coordinationLogistics for exchanging submissions and exhibits on the schedule the parties or arbitrator set.
- Notice deliveryDelivery of notices and papers by DFS process servers or couriers, with proof of delivery.
- Hearing logisticsVenue arrangements, exhibit setup, interpreters and reporter coordination.
- RecordsMaintaining an organized file of filings, correspondence and delivery confirmations.
Getting started
- Share the agreementSend the arbitration clause or post-dispute submission agreement and any rules the parties selected.
- Define the roleThe parties identify whether DFS will supply the arbitrator, handle administration, or both.
- Conflicts and termsA proposed arbitrator runs a conflicts check and discloses any relationships; scope and pricing are confirmed in writing.
- Run the matterThe arbitrator conducts the proceeding under the agreement while DFS keeps the calendar and record current.
How DFS arbitration is governed
Arbitration is consensual. It requires an agreement to arbitrate, either a contract clause or a submission agreement made after the dispute arises, and that agreement plus governing law, such as the Federal Arbitration Act or the Tennessee Uniform Arbitration Act (Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-5-301 et seq.), controls the process.
- The arbitrator is neutral and impartial, has no stake in the outcome, discloses conflicts and does not advise either party.
- Whether an award is binding depends on the parties' agreement.
- DFS does not give legal advice on arbitrability, enforcement or procedure.
- Fit for a particular dispute type is confirmed on review of the agreement.
Questions about arbitration services
Can DFS supply the arbitrator?
Yes, for most civil disputes, where the parties' agreement lets them select or agree on an arbitrator. Selection follows the agreement and any rules it adopts.
What does 'most civil scopes' mean?
DFS provides arbitrators and administration across most civil dispute types. Fit is confirmed after reviewing the agreement and any selected rules.
Is the award binding?
That depends on the agreement. The parties decide whether arbitration is binding, and the agreement and governing law control how an award is confirmed or challenged.
Can DFS work alongside an administering organization?
Yes, if the forum's rules allow outside logistical help. In that case DFS handles only the tasks the parties assign.
Guides on this topic
Longer answers from the DFS Guides & FAQ.
Related services
Next steps and alternatives that often go with this work.
Reviewed October 2026 by Delator Field Services. General information, not legal advice.
Tell DFS what the matter needs
Call, text or email with the task, the county and any deadline. You will get a plain answer on scope and cost before work begins.
Questions first? Call or text (629) 310-8667 or email contact@delatorgroup.com.