Q: Can you send a family member to represent you in arbitration court?
I've been served a summons for arbitration court. Am I allowed to send a family member to represent me? I do not want to go to court and cannot afford a lawyer.
A: Only if the family member is part of the claim or lawsuit. I don't know which court you are talking about, but you don't have to hire a lawyer to represent you in an arbitration proceeding. Of course, it is better to have a lawyer with you. If you are not part of the claim or lawsuit, then the Court may or may not allow you speak at the Arbitration hearing. Usually only the parties to the lawsuit can appear in Court.
Tim Akpinar agrees with this answer
A:
Arbitrations can vary in their level of formality and strictness across the board, but it's generally the parties or their attorneys who are authorized to appear. You mention financial hardship; you could contact the Pennsylvania Bar Association to learn if your situation could qualify for their Pro Bono Services. Depending the complexity of the matter and the amount in dispute, some arbitrators allow the parties to rely on submissions, meaning that in lieu of appearing, they could submit documents/affidavits/reports/photographs to support their position. But it all depends on the forum and the arbitrator.
Tim Akpinar
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