Sensible Arbitration
How we help individuals, families and businesses
Our arbitrators are experienced practitioners with extensive knowledge of the issues they arbitrate and the law to be applied. They have tried or presided over dozens of cases involving the issues in which they have expertise. Our arbitrators preside over matters including:
- Probate and trust disputes
- Financial issues during separation and divorce as well as post-divorce
- Parenting arrangements
- Tort claims
- Insurance coverage disputes
Our Arbitration Process
In arbitration, parties to a legal dispute submit the matter for binding resolution to a private neutral. Usually the neutral has specific knowledge of the subject matter of the dispute. Unlike mediation, arbitration is final: the decision of the arbitrator binds the parties and is fully enforceable under the law. Our arbitration services are specifically designed to meet the unique needs of parties.
We provide:
- An arbitrator with practical knowledge and litigation experience in his/her area of expertise
- A no-obligation introductory meeting with the arbitrator to discuss the dispute, the issues and claims involved and the parties’ respective objectives
- A complimentary proposed arbitration plan designed to meet the parties’ objectives, accommodate their needs for discovery and resolve the dispute fairly and expeditiously, which may include a phased process to promote the early determination of critical legal and factual issues which will contribute to the efficient and focused resolution of the dispute
- Cost certainty – the final arbitration plan will include definitive deadlines and a fixed budget
- Timely decision – the final arbitration plan will specify a fixed date for a written decision
About our Arbitrators
Probate and Trust Disputes
Frank E. Kenison practiced law in New Hampshire for almost 40 years. During that time, he advised and prepared estate plans for clients, oversaw probate and trust administration and litigated probate and trust disputes. Frank has also mediated scores of probate and trust disputes and continues to serve as a member of the mediation panel for the Complex Trust Docket. Frank’s experience and expertise in probate and trust practice allow him to identify the core issues and move to resolve disputes consistent with the prevailing law in New Hampshire. Frank holds an undergraduate degree from Stanford University and a law degree from Boston University School of Law.
Tort and Insurance Coverage
Melinda Gehris has handled hundreds of insurance coverage disputes including personal lines, commercial property, fleet coverage, employment, premises liability, disability, construction, workers compensation, and reinsurance. She is currently the Special Master in the Home Insurance Company in Liquidation in the Merrimack County Superior Court. She has litigated insurance coverage and tort matters for more than twenty years and has sat as a single arbitrator or member of a three person panel in dozens of cases.
For more information about our arbitrators, see their personal pages at https://hessgehris.com/our-experience/