How to resolve a dispute online
You can resolve a contract dispute online and get a binding decision without filing a lawsuit. At People’s Court, both sides submit their evidence and arguments online and get a signed, reasoned Award. The case fee is quoted up front. If you have no arbitration clause, both sides can agree to use People’s Court for the dispute you already have.
Where should I take my dispute?
- A purchase or billing problem: check the seller, marketplace, or payment provider’s dispute process first. Find its deadline and the remedies it can provide.
- Both sides want a deal: try a written settlement proposal or online mediation. A mediator can help you agree on a refund, payment plan, or revised deadline.
- You need a binding decision on a contract: check whether your agreement already names an arbitration provider. If it does not, both sides can choose People’s Court after the dispute starts. See how to arbitrate a contract dispute online.
- You need a decision and have no applicable arbitration agreement: check whether the local court accepts the claim. It may offer online filing, remote hearings, or mediation. See alternatives to small claims court.
What’s the cheapest or fastest way to resolve a dispute?
A direct written agreement can resolve a dispute without a filing fee or hearing date, if both sides accept. For a purchase dispute, a marketplace or payment provider’s existing process can be a practical first stop. If those routes cannot give you the result you need, compare the full cost of mediation, arbitration, and court for your claim amount. Include filing and service, any hearing or appeal fee, time away from work, and what it would take to collect.
If you need a binding decision, you can see exactly what People’s Court charges before you file. AI-only arbitration on a $500 claim costs $28.35. On its standard schedule, the Answer, evidence, and rebuttal periods each last up to seven calendar days and can close earlier if all required filings are in.Calculate the fee for your amount and read the full schedule. To compare providers, see the AI arbitration shortlist. Wondering whether an AI can decide it? Read can an AI judge decide your case.
Can I resolve a case online if I already filed in court?
Check the court’s own case instructions for online filing, mediation, and remote hearings. For example, Los Angeles Superior Court offers a small claims online dispute resolution process before the hearing. An online conversation or a private settlement does not update the court docket for you. Follow the court’s instructions and keep its deadlines until it tells you otherwise.
What to have ready
Gather the agreement or order, the payment or invoice, proof of delivery, and the relevant messages. Write a short timeline and state the amount or action you want. Keep the originals and check the deadlines for each route before choosing one.
Still deciding what kind of service you need? Read how online dispute resolution platforms differ.