Expert Determination

 

Originally a means for settling specific valuation and technical issues, expert determination has come to be used as another means of dispute resolution.  The parties must agree to expert determination as they must do for arbitration.  Their agreement should identify the matters to be determined and specify how the expert is to be appointed.

The procedure is usually discussed informally between the expert and the parties.  Unless agreed otherwise, the expert can pursue his or her own investigations, but a meeting with the parties usually takes place before a decision is made.  The expert may meet the parties separately or together as long as the procedure adopted is fair.

Although not enforceable as an arbitral award, expert determination is binding on the parties.  It is enforceable as a contract term by action before a national Court.

Benefits

Expertise

Informality with privacy

Costs advantage.