Defina v. Go Ahead and Jump 1 LLC, 2016 N.J. Super. Unpub. LEXIS 1797

An arbitration clause signed by the parent for a minor child is found not enforceable without clear language as to what is being waived.

A waiver requiring submission to arbitration was found enforceable by the trial court but unenforceable by the Superior Court. The Superior Court found enforceability was a matter of law and, although the waiver clearly referred to waiver of a trial, there was no “clear and unambiguous statement that the person signing the Agreement is waiving [his] right to sue or go to court to secure relief.” Due to no reference in the clause to a court or jury, or an explanation of how arbitration differed from a proceeding in a court of law, the court found the agreement was not so clear as to require the plaintiff to give up his rights to bring his claim in the court.

 

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