{"data":{"id":"us-dc/d.c.-code-16-5609","jurisdiction":"us-dc","citation":"D.C. Code § 16-5609","heading":"Disclosure by arbitrator; disqualification.","body":"(a)\nBefore agreeing to serve as an arbitrator, an individual, after making reasonable inquiry, shall disclose to all parties any known fact that a reasonable person would believe is likely to affect:\n(1)\nThe impartiality of the arbitrator in the arbitration, including bias, a financial or personal interest in the outcome of the arbitration, or an existing or past relationship with a party, attorney representing a party, or witness; or\n(2)\nThe arbitrator's ability to make a timely award.\n\n(b)\nAn arbitrator, the parties, and the attorneys representing the parties have a continuing obligation to disclose to all parties any known fact a reasonable person would believe is likely to affect the impartiality of the arbitrator or the arbitrator's ability to make a timely award.\n\n(c)\nAn objection to the selection or continued service of an arbitrator and a motion for a stay of arbitration and disqualification of the arbitrator shall be made under the law and procedural rules of the District other than this chapter governing arbitrator disqualification.\n\n(d)\nIf a disclosure required by subsection (a)(1) or (b) of this section is not made, the Superior Court may:\n(1)\nOn motion of a party not later than 30 days after the failure to disclose is known or by the exercise of reasonable care should have been known to the party, suspend the arbitration;\n(2)\nOn timely motion of a party, vacate an award under § 16-5619(a)(2); or\n(3)\nIf an award has been confirmed, grant other appropriate relief under law of the District other than this chapter.\n\n(e)\nIf the parties agree to discharge an arbitrator or the arbitrator is disqualified, the parties by agreement may select a new arbitrator or request the Superior Court to select another arbitrator as provided in § 16-5608.","path":["Title 16. Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title]","Chapter 56. Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act."],"source_url":"https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/16-5609","current_through":"2026-08-20 (D.C. Law 26-175)","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-08-29T05:44:07Z","sha256":"8c2558d7de39918ed269c92068150c00d91af08b69361e4405a729074a7d41eb","source_id":"us-dc","stale":false,"prev":"us-dc/d.c.-code-16-5608","next":"us-dc/d.c.-code-16-5610"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}