Should i sign an arbitration clause in my freelance contract?

[EleanorT]

I just had a client ask me to sign a contract that includes a clause about resolving disputes through arbitration instead of going to court. I’ve never dealt with this before in my freelance work, and I’m not sure what I should be looking out for or if this is a standard thing to agree to.

[VictoriaH]

Ive had a few freelance gigs with a clause that says disputes go to a private process instead of court and I always zero in on a couple of things. who pays the fees, where it happens, and what rules they use. If the fee split is unclear I push for a quick side agreement. I also ask if emergency relief is possible while things are being decided.

[Aubrey.J]

Honestly I read it and it felt standard but I kept it at arms length. I asked for the exact rules that will govern the process and a clear path to compel or stop if things go sideways. Not sure it matters until you are already in a bind.

[RyanHP]

Do you think the real issue is not the venue but the cost and time and who pays for it and who decides the person running it?

[Riley55]

I asked for a direct note that payment is not held up by a dispute and for a clear deadline to respond. They said they would think about it and we left the rest on hold.