(a) When a notice of election of arbitration is filed
at SOAH, the notice shall be date stamped and the file given a SOAH
docket number that identifies it as a case submitted for arbitration.
Parties shall include this docket number on all subsequent correspondence
and documents filed with SOAH relating to the arbitration.
(b) The party that did not initiate the arbitration
may file an answering statement with SOAH within ten days after receipt
of the notice of election from the electing party. That answering
statement should include a response to the claim and any challenge
to the election of arbitration. If the party that did not initiate
the arbitration does not file an answering statement, SOAH will presume
that party denies the claim and does not challenge the election of
arbitration. Failure to file an answering statement shall not operate
to delay the arbitration.
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