Rule 13.210.Form and Content of Award

Form first. The award must be in writing, prepared on a form prescribed by the court, and signed by the arbitrator. On substance, the arbitrator determines all issues raised by the pleadings, including any damages, costs, and attorney fees where applicable law allows them. Findings of fact, conclusions of law, and written opinions are not required, so an award that says who won and how much without explaining why is a complete award under this rule.

The rule then lists what the award must contain, beyond the caption of the case: the date of the hearing, if a hearing was held; the prevailing party and the amount of relief awarded; whether any part of the award rested on a party's failure to appear, and which party that was; the arbitrator's name and office address; provision for costs and attorney fees where applicable law allows them; and interest in accordance with applicable law, specifying the rate and the date from which it accrues.

Timing separates sending from filing. Within 28 days after the conclusion of the hearing, the arbitrator sends the award to the parties without filing it with the court, and establishes procedures for determining attorney fees and costs. Filing comes later, under UTCR 13.220.

Dissolution cases add a step. The arbitrator sends the award to the parties within 28 days after the hearing ends and directs a party to prepare and submit a form of judgment. On any party's request, the arbitrator gives the parties an opportunity to be heard on that form, then approves a form of judgment and files it along with the award under UTCR 13.220. Commentary published with the rule records the committee's intent that the requirement to determine all issues raised by the pleadings applies in dissolution cases, and that the arbitrator determine all costs the prevailing party may be entitled to, including the prevailing party fee and a share of the arbitrator's fee.