How much does it cost me to file this motion?

Filing the motion with your court may cost nothing or a small filing fee depending on jurisdiction. If the court grants your motion and you initiate arbitration, AAA charges consumers $225 and JAMS charges $250. The debt collector pays the remaining thousands in fees.

How do I find which arbitration provider is in my agreement?

Check your original credit card paperwork for a section titled 'Arbitration' or 'Dispute Resolution.' You can also search the CFPB database at consumerfinance.gov/credit-cards/agreements or contact your card issuer directly.

What happens if the judge grants my motion?

The court case is stayed (paused) and the debt collector must initiate arbitration to continue pursuing the debt. They'll need to pay filing fees that often exceed the debt amount. In many cases, the collector never files for arbitration and the case is eventually dismissed.

Being Sued by a Debt Collector? Fight Back for Free

You may have a powerful defense hiding in your credit card agreement — if it includes an arbitration clause. A Motion to Compel Arbitration forces the debt collector out of court and into a process that costs them money, not you.

What Is a Motion to Compel Arbitration?

Many credit card agreements include an arbitration clause — a provision that says disputes must be resolved through private arbitration instead of court. A Motion to Compel Arbitration is a legal filing that asks the judge to enforce that clause. If granted, the court case is stayed and the debt collector must pursue their claim in arbitration, paying substantial filing fees (often $1,500–$5,000+). Most debt buyers would rather drop the case entirely.

How This Free Tool Works

Upload your lawsuit (complaint or summons)
Our AI extracts the key case details
Find your credit card's arbitration clause
We generate a ready-to-file motion for your court

Generate a professional Motion to Compel Arbitration in minutes — no lawyer required. This tool is 100% free with no hidden fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is arbitration?

Arbitration is a private dispute resolution process outside of court. A neutral arbitrator hears both sides and makes a decision, governed by organizations like the American Arbitration Association (AAA) or JAMS.

How do I know if my case qualifies?

Your case may qualify if you're being sued for credit card debt and your credit card agreement contains an arbitration clause. Not all agreements have one, so you must verify by reviewing your specific agreement.

Can I lose my right to arbitration?

Yes. Courts may find you waived your right if you actively participated in the lawsuit for an extended period. File your motion as early as possible.

Do I need a lawyer?

No. You can file a Motion to Compel Arbitration pro se (on your own behalf). This tool generates the documents you need in the correct format for your state.

Helpful Resources

CFPB Credit Card Agreement Database — Search for your card's arbitration clause
American Arbitration Association (AAA) — Consumer arbitration rules and filing
JAMS Arbitration — Alternative arbitration provider

Disclaimer: This tool generates legal documents for informational purposes. It is not a substitute for professional legal advice. Consult an attorney if you have questions about your specific situation.