Frequently Asked Questions

JustResolv handles disputes between two U.S. businesses arising from contracts governed by U.S. law, valued up to $250K. Typical contracts include vendor agreements, service contracts, construction subcontracts, SaaS agreements, wholesale contracts, and freelancer agreements — but any B2B contract dispute in that range is a fit.

JustResolv is designed exclusively for business-to-business contract disputes. We do not handle consumer complaints, employment disputes, insurance claims, intellectual property disputes, or matters involving personal injury.

In settlement negotiation, you and the other party work toward a mutually agreed resolution, facilitated by AI. Both sides must agree to the outcome — nothing is imposed on you.

In arbitration, a structured, neutral process reviews the case and produces a binding decision. Think of settlement as "we decide together" and arbitration as "a neutral process decides for us."

You can start with settlement and escalate to arbitration if needed, or go directly to arbitration if you've already tried negotiating.

Many contracts include dispute resolution clauses — requiring mediation, arbitration through a specific provider, or other procedures before litigation. Using JustResolv does not replace or satisfy those contractual requirements.

When you upload your contract during filing, JustResolv's AI will flag any existing dispute resolution clauses, notice requirements, or time limitations it identifies. You'll see a prominent notice so you can review those requirements before proceeding.

JustResolv is a voluntary process. Participating does not waive any rights or remedies you have under your contract or applicable law, and it does not extend or modify any deadlines in your contract. If you're unsure how your contract's dispute resolution provisions interact with JustResolv, we encourage you to consult with a licensed attorney.

Yes — completely. Both parties choose to participate. In settlement negotiation, you negotiate on your own terms and only sign if you're satisfied with the outcome. Arbitration is only binding when both sides expressly agree to the arbitration rules and consent to have the dispute resolved through JustResolv's structured process. No one is forced into anything.

After both parties submit their positions, JustResolv's AI analyzes the contract and each party's arguments, then generates a confidential assessment for each side — highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and potential outcomes.

The AI then proposes settlement terms, broken into structured decision points (e.g., payment amount, timeline, specific obligations). Parties negotiate term by term rather than redlining a single document — this keeps the process focused and prevents the endless back-and-forth of traditional negotiation.

Once both parties agree on all terms, the AI assembles a complete settlement agreement from attorney-drafted templates. Both parties review the full agreement before signing. If either party wants changes to the final agreement, they can propose modifications before e-signing.

Settlement negotiation typically resolves in days to a few weeks. Each step has reasonable time limits — for example, parties generally have 7 days to respond to each round, and the overall process has a maximum timeline to prevent indefinite delays. The process is asynchronous, so you respond on your schedule within those windows.

If both parties can't reach agreement through settlement negotiation, you have the option to escalate to binding arbitration — no need to refile or start over. Everything stays on one platform. Escalation is entirely voluntary and both parties must agree to proceed.

Yes. At any point during the arbitration process, both parties can mutually agree to pause arbitration and attempt settlement negotiation instead. If you reach a settlement, the arbitration is closed. If not, you can resume arbitration where you left off.

If one party stops participating during settlement negotiation, the process pauses. The other party can choose to close the case. If both parties had agreed to arbitration, the process may continue based on the submissions already received — this is standard in arbitration proceedings.

If the other party never engages at all, you will still receive a full AI evaluation of your dispute position and a record of your good-faith attempt to resolve the matter — which you can use to inform your next steps. Upfront fees are non-refundable, and no Resolution Fee applies. See our Terms of Service for full details.

The parties can agree to go straight to arbitration — there's no requirement to try settlement negotiation first. JustResolv uses a single filing process, and both parties select the track that makes sense for their situation when the dispute is filed. Some parties prefer to start with settlement negotiation and escalate if needed; others go directly to arbitration because they've already tried negotiating on their own. Either path is available from the start, provided both parties agree to the selected track through the Dispute Resolution Agreement (DRA).

At any point during the process, either party can propose changing tracks — from settlement negotiation to arbitration ("Propose to Escalate to Arbitration") or from arbitration to settlement negotiation ("Propose to De-escalate to Structured Settlement Negotiation").

The other party must agree for the change to take effect — no one is forced into a different track. To prevent abuse, each case is limited to a maximum of 3 escalation or de-escalation proposals total.

In settlement negotiation: If a party is inactive for 14 consecutive days, the process is treated as a withdrawal. The case closes and upfront fees are retained. The filing party receives their AI evaluation based on available information.

In arbitration: If a party is inactive for 10 consecutive days, the case proceeds as an ex parte proceeding — meaning the arbitration continues and a binding award is issued based on the submissions already received. This is standard practice in arbitration and ensures that one party cannot stall the process indefinitely.

When you file a dispute, JustResolv's AI immediately generates a Preliminary Case Assessment based on the contract you uploaded and the information you submitted. This assessment includes an analysis of the relevant contract terms, an evaluation of the strength of your position, identification of potential gaps or weaknesses, a suggested resolution range, and a recommended path forward — guidance on whether settlement negotiation, arbitration, or another approach may be the best fit for your situation.

The recommended path is based on factors like the strength of your position, the nature of the dispute, and the relationship between the parties. It's designed to help you make an informed decision — not to replace professional legal advice.

You receive this assessment regardless of whether the other party participates. It's yours to use — as the basis for direct negotiations, to inform a Formal Notice of Dispute, or to decide whether to pursue further action. This means you get real, actionable value from your filing fee from day one.

View a sample Preliminary Case Assessment →

If the other party doesn't respond to the invitation, JustResolv provides you with a Formal Notice of Dispute — a structured template you can customize and send directly to the other party. It summarizes the dispute, references the AI analysis that has already been completed, and documents your good-faith effort to resolve the matter through a formal process.

This is not legal advice — it's a structured communication tool. You decide whether and how to use it. Many businesses find it effective because it demonstrates seriousness and preparation, backed by an independent analytical process.

View the Formal Notice of Dispute template →

Your Preliminary Case Assessment includes a Recommended Path section with guidance tailored to your specific situation. Generally:

• Settlement Negotiation is a good fit when both parties want to preserve the business relationship, when there are areas of common ground, or when you'd prefer more control over the outcome. It's typically faster and gives both sides flexibility to find middle ground.
• Arbitration may be a better fit when you have a strong position and expect the other party to resist a negotiated outcome, when you need a binding, enforceable decision, or when a definitive resolution matters more than speed.
• Closing the case may make sense if the assessment reveals significant weaknesses in your position, if the amount at issue doesn't justify the effort, or if the dispute involves issues that are better handled through other channels.

You can always start with settlement negotiation and escalate to arbitration later if needed — one filing covers both paths.

Important: This guidance is informational — it is not legal advice. Every dispute is different, and you are encouraged to consult with a licensed attorney if you are unsure which path is right for you.

You could use a general-purpose AI tool to get a generic take on your contract — but JustResolv offers something fundamentally different:

• Purpose-built analysis: JustResolv uses a structured intake process designed specifically for contract disputes. It analyzes your specific contract terms against the specific facts of your dispute, not just general legal concepts.
• A process, not just a tool: If the other party does engage, everything flows directly into a structured negotiation or arbitration — no starting over, no re-uploading, no re-explaining. ChatGPT can't invite the other party, can't facilitate a negotiation, and can't produce an enforceable settlement agreement or binding award.
• Credibility: "A formal dispute has been initiated through JustResolv" carries different weight than "I asked ChatGPT about our contract." The documented process, timestamped audit trail, and structured output signal seriousness.
• Continuity: Your case stays on the platform. If it escalates to arbitration, all prior submissions carry forward. With a generic AI tool, every step is a one-off.

Settlement negotiation: Yes, you can withdraw unilaterally at any time. Your upfront fee is retained and no Resolution Fee applies.

Arbitration: Withdrawal follows traditional arbitration rules. If you stop participating, the process doesn't stop with you — after 10 days of inactivity, the case proceeds ex parte and a binding award is issued based on the available submissions. Both parties consent to this when they sign the Dispute Resolution Agreement.

JustResolv arbitration is governed by the JustResolv Arbitration Rules, which are published and available for review before you begin the process. These rules reflect principles common to established arbitration frameworks — similar to those used by organizations like JAMS and the American Arbitration Association (AAA) — but specifically designed for an efficient, AI-powered, fully online process.

Parties agree to these rules when they sign the Dispute Resolution Agreement (DRA) before the process begins. The rules cover everything from filing requirements and submission standards to timelines, the award format, and post-award clarification.

JustResolv issues reasoned awards only — the most thorough type of arbitration award. Every award includes a full written analysis: the AI's reasoning, how it weighed the information submitted by both parties, and how the governing law of the contract informed its analysis.

This means you'll always understand why the decision was made, not just what it is. The award covers all claims and defenses raised, summarizes the submissions, explains the analysis, and sets out the specific terms of the resolution.

Note: In traditional arbitration through organizations like JAMS and AAA, arbitrators are not required to be licensed attorneys — many are, but the role is fundamentally about decision-making based on submitted information and agreed-upon rules, not the practice of law. JustResolv's AI serves a similar function: analyzing submissions, weighing the information presented, and rendering decisions within the framework the parties agreed to.

JustResolv's AI evaluates all submitted information systematically using established principles of reliability:

• Original documents are weighted more heavily than summaries or paraphrases
• Contemporaneous records (created at the time of events) carry more weight than after-the-fact narratives
• Corroborated claims — supported by multiple sources or documentation — are given more weight than unsupported assertions
• Internal consistency is checked across all submissions from each party

All submissions are made under penalty of perjury with a digital audit trail. The AI evaluates submissions without fatigue, emotion, or bias — applying the same rigorous standards to all information from both sides.

Parties can challenge specific items submitted by the other party in their written submissions, and the award addresses disputed information directly in its analysis.

Yes. After the award is issued, both parties have a 5 business day window to request clarification. Clarification requests are limited in scope — they can address ambiguities, apparent errors, or points that need further explanation, but they cannot be used to re-argue the case or request a re-hearing. This is a clarification process, not an appeal.

Yes. JustResolv arbitration awards are designed for enforceability under the Federal Arbitration Act. The process incorporates key elements that support enforceability: both parties voluntarily consented to the process by signing the Dispute Resolution Agreement (DRA), the proceedings follow published arbitration rules, awards are issued in a reasoned format with full written analysis, and all submissions are made under penalty of perjury.

If a party does not comply with the award, the other party may petition a court to confirm and enforce it, just as with any other arbitration award.

The Dispute Resolution Agreement (DRA) is the agreement both parties sign before the dispute resolution process begins. It outlines how the process works, what each party is consenting to, and the rules that govern the proceeding — including the JustResolv Arbitration Rules, which are incorporated by reference.

Both parties must sign the DRA before either party pays any fees. The DRA ensures that everyone enters the process with a clear understanding of their rights, obligations, and the binding nature of any arbitration award. You'll have the opportunity to review the full DRA before signing.

There are two points where you'll accept agreements:

1. Account creation: When you create your JustResolv account, you'll accept the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. These govern your use of the platform itself.

2. Filing or responding to a dispute: Before the dispute resolution process begins, both parties sign the Dispute Resolution Agreement (DRA). The DRA incorporates the JustResolv Arbitration Rules by reference and governs the specific proceeding.

No fees are charged until both parties have signed the DRA.

Yes — and we recommend it. Adding a dispute resolution clause to your business contracts means both parties agree upfront to use JustResolv if a disagreement arises. This eliminates uncertainty, avoids costly litigation, and ensures a structured process is already in place before tensions run high.

We provide a ready-to-use clause on our Resources page that you can copy directly into your contracts. One clause covers both settlement negotiation and arbitration — the parties choose the right track when a dispute actually arises.

Each party submits:

• The contract — up to 500 pages (we know some contracts are extensive, especially in construction)
• A written brief — up to 20 pages explaining your position
• Supporting documentation — up to 100 pages (invoices, emails, photos, etc.)

During arbitration, additional information may be requested or submitted during the clarifying questions and counterargument phases. If you believe your dispute requires more documentation than these limits allow, contact us before filing.

JustResolv accepts PDF documents and standard image files (JPEG, PNG). We recommend submitting documents as PDFs for the best results. All uploaded files are kept strictly confidential.

Yes. JustResolv's AI can analyze images submitted as supporting documents — including photos of damaged goods, work sites, physical documents, screenshots of communications, and other visual materials. Submit images in JPEG or PNG format as part of your supporting documentation.

JustResolv uses transparent, upfront pricing with a small Resolution Fee — so your costs are fenced in, never open-ended.

AI Settlement Negotiation

	Claimant (Filing Party)	Respondent
Upfront Fee	$199	$49
Resolution Fee (if settled)	3% of settlement amount	3% of settlement amount

AI Arbitration

	Claimant (Filing Party)	Respondent
Upfront Fee	$199	$49
Resolution Fee (on award)	5% of award amount	5% of award amount

Both parties share the cost equally — same upfront fee regardless of track. The Resolution Fee only applies if the dispute is resolved, so your interests and ours are aligned.

Upfront fees are non-refundable. Even if the other party never responds, you receive a full AI evaluation of your dispute position and a record of your good-faith attempt to resolve the matter. The Resolution Fee only applies when the dispute is resolved and is deducted automatically at the time of settlement or award payment.

Settlement agreements are enforceable as contracts under the E-SIGN Act and UETA — the same legal framework that governs any electronically signed agreement. Arbitration awards are designed for enforceability under the Federal Arbitration Act.

No. JustResolv is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation. JustResolv is a technology platform — a neutral dispute resolution tool that uses AI to analyze contract terms, weigh submitted information, and facilitate resolution guided by the governing law of your contract. It does not represent either party, does not give legal advice, and does not act as your attorney. Both parties use the platform as a neutral tool to resolve their dispute. If you want legal advice about your specific situation, we encourage you to consult with your own attorney.

JustResolv's AI analyzes the contract language, identifies the key points of disagreement, and evaluates each party's position against the terms of the agreement, guided by the governing law specified in the contract. Think of it as a highly structured analytical tool — not a lawyer, but a way to ensure both sides are measured against the same objective criteria.

It's worth noting that in traditional arbitration through organizations like JAMS and AAA, arbitrators are not required to be licensed attorneys. Many are, but the arbitrator's role is fundamentally about evaluating submissions, analyzing the facts against the agreed-upon rules, and rendering a decision — not practicing law. JustResolv's AI serves a similar function within the framework the parties agreed to.

The platform was designed with input from experienced legal professionals to ensure the process is fair, structured, and grounded in how contracts actually work.

Fairness is built into the process at every level. In settlement negotiation, both parties must agree to the outcome — nothing is imposed. In arbitration, the AI evaluates the information presented by both sides against the contract terms, guided by the governing law, to reach a decision grounded in what the parties actually agreed to — not emotion or leverage.

Both parties have equal opportunity to present their case, submit supporting information, and respond to the other side. The process is transparent, structured, and designed to produce outcomes that reflect what the contract actually says.

The AI is guided by the governing law specified in your contract. Most business contracts include a governing law clause (e.g., "This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Texas"). JustResolv uses that as the framework for its analysis. If no governing law is specified, the platform determines the applicable law based on relevant factors such as where the contract was performed.

Absolutely. You are welcome to consult with your own attorney at any point in the process. JustResolv is a resolution tool, not a replacement for legal counsel. Some parties may choose to have their attorney review the process or the final agreement before signing.

Yes. All dispute information, submissions, and outcomes are kept confidential. There are no public filings, no open hearings, and no public record of your dispute. Your business stays your business.