Judicial Review Of Arbitration Awards Under Michigan's Uniform Arbitration Act

By: Phillip J. DeRosier¹

Although Michigan's Uniform Arbitration Act, MCL 691.1681, et seq., has been in effect since 2013, many practitioners still think of MCR 3.602 when it comes to seeking judicial review of arbitration awards. In addition, the continued existence of the court rule has resulted in some confusion because it contains different deadlines for seeking to vacate, modify, or correct an arbitration award. But once it is determined that the Act applies, the timing and process for challenging an award becomes relatively straightforward.

Applicability of the MUAA

Section 3 of the Act provides that "[o]n or after July 1, 2013, this act governs an agreement to arbitrate whenever made." At the same time, the Act "does not affect an action or proceeding commenced . . . before this act takes effect." MCL 691.1713. This means that the Act governs if the claim for arbitration was filed on or after July 1, 2013. Fette v Peters Const Co, 310 Mich App 535, 541;