Division 8. Alternative Dispute Resolution · Chapter 2. Judicial Arbitration · Last amended 2007 · Last verified July 29, 2026
In one sentenceThis rule requires the arbitrator to put the award in writing, resolve every issue the pleadings raised, and file it with the clerk within ten days of the hearing’s end, or up to thirty in unusually long or complex cases, without needing separate findings of fact or conclusions of law.
(1)Award in writing The award must be in writing and signed by the arbitrator. It must determine all issues properly raised by the pleadings, including a determination of any damages and an award of costs if appropriate.
(2)No findings or conclusions required The arbitrator is not required to make findings of fact or conclusions of law. (Subd (a) amended effective January 1, 2007; previously amended effective January 1, 2004.)
(1)Time for filing the award Within 10 days after the conclusion of the arbitration hearing, the arbitrator must file the award with the clerk, with proof of service on each party to the arbitration. On the arbitrator’s application in cases of unusual length or complexity, the court may allow up to 20 additional days for the filing and service of the award.
(2)Amended award Within the time for filing the award, the arbitrator may file and serve an amended award. (Subd (b) amended effective January 1, 2007; previously amended effective January 1, 1995, and January 1, 2004.)
Plain-English Summary
Rule 3.825 spells out what an award has to look like and when it has to show up. Substantively, the award must be a signed, written document that resolves every issue the pleadings raised, including damages and costs where appropriate. The arbitrator does not have to write separate findings of fact or conclusions of law explaining the reasoning — a clean determination of the issues is enough.
On timing, the arbitrator has ten days after the hearing ends to file the award with the clerk and serve proof of that filing on every party. Cases that turn out to be unusually long or complicated can get more room: on the arbitrator’s application, the court can extend the deadline by up to twenty additional days. Within whatever the applicable filing window turns out to be, the arbitrator can also file and serve an amended award, giving a chance to correct or refine the original before the clock runs out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the arbitrator have to explain the reasoning behind the award?
No. The award has to be in writing, signed, and resolve every issue the pleadings raised, but the arbitrator is not required to make findings of fact or conclusions of law.
How long does the arbitrator have to file the award after the hearing?
Ten days after the arbitration hearing concludes, with proof of service on each party filed at the same time.
Can that ten-day deadline be extended?
Yes. On the arbitrator’s application, the court can allow up to twenty additional days in cases of unusual length or complexity.
Can an arbitrator change the award after filing it?
Yes, within the same time allowed for filing the original award, the arbitrator may file and serve an amended award.
Amendment History
Rule 3.825 amended and renumbered effective January 1, 2007; adopted as rule 1615 effective July 1, 1976; previously amended effective January 1, 1983, January 1, 1985, January 1, 1995, January 1, 2003, and January 1, 2004.
Source & verification. Rule text is reproduced verbatim from
the Judicial Council of California. Adopted by the Judicial Council of California.
Last verified July 29, 2026.
· Official source
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