Article 26: Uniform Arbitration Act · Last amended 1997 · Last verified July 22, 2026
In one sentenceThis section sets the default hearing procedure for Nebraska arbitration — notice of time and place, the right to adjourn or postpone, the right to be heard and cross-examine, majority control of the proceeding, and the county where the hearing takes place — all subject to whatever the parties’ agreement provides instead.
Full Text of § 25-2606
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Unless otherwise provided by the agreement:
(a) The arbitrators shall appoint a time and place for the hearing and cause notification to the parties to be served personally or by registered or certified mail not less than ten days before the hearing. Appearance at the hearing waives such notice. The arbitrators may adjourn the hearing from time to time as necessary and, on request of a party and for good cause, or upon their own motion, may postpone the hearing to a time not later than the date fixed by the agreement for making the award unless the parties consent to a later date. The arbitrators may hear and determine the controversy upon the evidence produced notwithstanding the failure of a party duly notified to appear. The court on application may direct the arbitrators to proceed promptly with the hearing and determination of the controversy;
(b) The parties are entitled to be heard, to present evidence material to the controversy, and to cross-examine witnesses appearing at the hearing; and
(c) The hearing shall be conducted by all the arbitrators but a majority may determine any question and render a final award. If, during the course of the hearing, an arbitrator for any reason ceases to act, the remaining arbitrator or arbitrators appointed to act as neutrals may continue with the hearing and determination of the controversy.
Arbitration proceedings shall take place in the county designated in section 25-403.01 unless the parties otherwise agree at a time subsequent to the arising of the controversy.
Source
Laws 1987, LB 71, § 6; Laws 1997, LB 151, § 4.
Plain-English Summary
Unless the arbitration agreement says otherwise, section 25-2606 supplies the default script for the hearing itself. The arbitrators set the time and place and see that the parties get notice — personally, or by registered or certified mail — at least ten days beforehand; showing up at the hearing waives any complaint about notice. The arbitrators can adjourn as needed, and can postpone the hearing on a party’s request and for good cause, or on their own motion, though any postponement has to land before the date the agreement sets for making the award unless the parties agree to a later one. If a party who was properly notified does not show up, the arbitrators can still hear and decide the case on the evidence presented. A court, on application, can order the arbitrators to move forward promptly with the hearing and decision.
At the hearing, every party is entitled to be heard, to present evidence material to the controversy, and to cross-examine witnesses who appear. All the arbitrators conduct the hearing together, but a majority can decide any question and issue a final award — and if an arbitrator drops out along the way, the remaining neutral arbitrator or arbitrators can carry the hearing and decision through to the end. Absent a different agreement reached after the dispute arose, the hearing takes place in the county the parties designated under section 25-403.01.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much notice do I get before an arbitration hearing?
Unless the agreement provides otherwise, at least ten days, served personally or by registered or certified mail; showing up at the hearing waives any objection to the notice given.
What happens if I don’t show up to the arbitration hearing?
If you were duly notified, the arbitrators may still hear and determine the controversy based on the evidence presented, without your participation.
Can I present evidence and question witnesses at an arbitration hearing?
Yes. Section 25-2606(b) entitles every party to be heard, to present material evidence, and to cross-examine witnesses who appear at the hearing.
Do all the arbitrators on a panel have to sign off on the final award?
The hearing is conducted by all the arbitrators, but a majority may decide any question and render a final award, consistent with the majority rule in section 25-2605.
What happens if an arbitrator drops out partway through the hearing?
The remaining neutral arbitrator or arbitrators appointed to act may continue the hearing and reach a decision without starting over.
Can a court force the arbitrators to move the hearing along faster?
Yes. On application, a court may direct the arbitrators to proceed promptly with the hearing and determination of the controversy.
Where does the arbitration hearing have to be held?
In the county designated under section 25-403.01, unless the parties agree otherwise at a time after the controversy arose.
Source & verification. Section text and the amendment-history citation are
reproduced verbatim from the Nebraska Legislature, Revisor of Statutes, enacted by the
Nebraska Legislature. Last verified July 22, 2026. ·
Official source
Also known as:nebraska arbitration hearing procedurenotice of arbitration hearingpostponing an arbitration hearingright to cross examine arbitrationwhere is arbitration hearing held