Terms of Service
Effective Date: October 21, 2026
Welcome to the Georgia Center for Arbitration & Mediation (“GCAAM”). These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of our website, www.gcaam.com (the “Website”).
By accessing or using this Website, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of the Website.
1. About GCAAM
The Georgia Center for Arbitration & Mediation provides alternative dispute resolution (“ADR”) services, including mediation, arbitration, and related dispute resolution services. GCAAM serves individuals, businesses, attorneys, and organizations throughout Georgia and other jurisdictions where its services are appropriate. Services may be conducted in person, virtually, or at other agreed-upon locations. The Website provides general information about our organization, available services, neutrals, procedures, fees, and methods of initiating dispute resolution proceedings.
2. Informational Purposes Only
The information provided on this Website is intended for general educational and informational purposes only. Although GCAAM works with experienced legal professionals and other subject-matter experts, information published on this Website does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for advice from a qualified attorney. Laws, regulations, and dispute resolution procedures vary by jurisdiction and may change over time. GCAAM makes reasonable efforts to provide accurate information but does not warrant that all Website content is complete, current, or applicable to any particular legal matter. Visitors should consult independent legal counsel regarding their specific circumstances.
3. No Attorney-Client Relationship
Use of this Website, submission of an inquiry, or communication with GCAAM does not establish an attorney-client relationship with GCAAM, its personnel, or any mediator or arbitrator affiliated with the organization. GCAAM’s mediators and arbitrators serve as neutral third parties. They do not represent the parties participating in a dispute resolution proceeding and do not provide legal advice to individual parties in their capacity as neutrals. Parties are encouraged to obtain independent legal advice concerning their rights, obligations, and participation in mediation or arbitration.
4. Requests for Mediation and Arbitration
Visitors may use the Website to inquire about, request, or initiate mediation, arbitration, or other ADR services. Submitting an online form, request for mediation, or demand for arbitration does not, by itself, establish an agreement for GCAAM to administer a proceeding or for a particular neutral to serve. Acceptance and administration of a matter may depend upon applicable agreements, jurisdictional requirements, the consent of the parties where required, payment of applicable fees, conflict-of-interest review, and the availability of a qualified neutral. Where the parties are not otherwise bound by an enforceable agreement requiring arbitration, arbitration generally requires their agreement to participate. GCAAM reserves the right to decline an engagement when appropriate, subject to applicable law and any existing contractual obligations.
5. Governing Agreements, Rules, and Procedures
Individual mediation, arbitration, and other ADR proceedings are governed by the applicable engagement agreements, procedural rules, fee agreements, and other documents adopted for those proceedings. These Website Terms do not replace, amend, or supersede any applicable mediation agreement, arbitration agreement, court order, or separately executed agreement governing a particular matter. In the event of a conflict between these Website Terms and an agreement specifically governing an ADR proceeding, the proceeding-specific agreement will control with respect to that proceeding, subject to applicable law. Information concerning GCAAM’s services and procedures is available on the Website.
6. Fees, Deposits, and Payments
GCAAM charges fees for certain administrative services, mediation and arbitration proceedings, neutral services, and related expenses. Applicable fees may include initiation fees, deposits, hourly charges, conference room charges, cancellation fees, and other amounts identified in the relevant fee schedule or engagement agreement. Certain fees may be nonrefundable, while other deposits may be refundable or credited toward services, as specified in the applicable agreement. Fees and payment requirements may vary depending upon the type of proceeding, the neutral selected, and the services requested. The fee schedules and written agreements applicable to a particular proceeding govern payment obligations, cancellations, refunds, and related matters. GCAAM reserves the right to revise its published fees prospectively, subject to existing contractual commitments.
7. Confidentiality and Submitted Information
GCAAM recognizes the importance of privacy and confidentiality in alternative dispute resolution. Mediation and arbitration proceedings may be subject to confidentiality obligations arising under applicable law, court rules, procedural rules, or agreements among the participants. However, merely submitting information through the Website does not automatically establish that such information is privileged, confidential, or protected from disclosure. Visitors should exercise appropriate care when submitting sensitive personal, financial, business, or legal information through online forms or electronic communications. Confidentiality obligations applicable to an accepted ADR proceeding will be governed by the relevant agreements, rules, and applicable law. Nothing in these Terms is intended to waive any privilege, protection, or confidentiality obligation otherwise established by law.
8. Privacy and Data Protection
GCAAM respects the privacy of individuals who visit the Website or communicate with the organization. Information submitted through the Website may be used to respond to inquiries, evaluate requests for services, administer proceedings, process payments, and conduct related business operations. GCAAM’s collection, use, storage, and disclosure of personal information are further addressed in its Privacy Policy. By submitting information through the Website, you acknowledge that electronic communications and online transmissions involve inherent security risks. GCAAM takes reasonable measures to protect information under its control but cannot guarantee that electronic communications or data transmissions will be entirely free from unauthorized access or interruption.
9. Acceptable Website Use
Visitors agree to use the Website only for lawful purposes. Users may not submit knowingly false, misleading, fraudulent, or unlawful information; attempt unauthorized access; introduce malware; interfere with security or availability; use disruptive automated collection; or use the Website to harass or threaten others. GCAAM reserves the right to restrict access when reasonably necessary to protect its operations, users, or legal rights.
10. Intellectual Property
Unless otherwise indicated, the content appearing on this Website, including text, graphics, logos, photographs, articles, and other materials, is owned by GCAAM or used with permission. Website materials are protected by applicable copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. Visitors may view, download, or print Website materials for personal, educational, or legitimate professional reference purposes, provided that copyright notices and appropriate attribution are maintained. No permission is granted to reproduce Website content for commercial distribution, misleading endorsement, or other unauthorized purposes without prior written consent.
11. Third-Party Websites and Resources
The Website may contain links to external websites, professional resources, government agencies, statutes, legal authorities, or other third-party materials. These links are provided for informational convenience. GCAAM does not control and is not responsible for the content, accuracy, availability, privacy practices, or security of third-party websites. The inclusion of a link does not necessarily constitute an endorsement of the third party or its services.
12. Virtual Mediation and Arbitration Services
GCAAM may offer mediation, arbitration, and related services through videoconferencing and other electronic platforms. Participants in virtual proceedings may be required to satisfy reasonable technological, privacy, identification, and security requirements. The use of third-party technology platforms may be subject to additional terms and privacy policies established by those providers. GCAAM is not responsible for interruptions or technical failures outside its reasonable control. Procedures for addressing technical difficulties during an ADR proceeding will be determined under the applicable proceeding agreements and rules. Participants may not record or distribute virtual proceedings except as permitted by applicable law, procedural rules, and the agreements governing the proceeding.
13. Neutrality and Independence
GCAAM is committed to facilitating professional, fair, and impartial dispute resolution processes. Mediators and arbitrators are expected to comply with applicable ethical standards, disclosure requirements, and conflict-of-interest procedures. GCAAM does not guarantee any particular outcome, settlement, award, or result. The selection or appointment of a mediator or arbitrator does not constitute a representation that the neutral will favor any party or reach any particular conclusion.
14. Disclaimer of Warranties
The Website and its informational content are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis. To the extent permitted by applicable law, GCAAM disclaims warranties concerning the uninterrupted availability, accuracy, completeness, or fitness of the Website for any particular purpose. GCAAM does not guarantee that the Website will always be available, free from technical errors, or immune from unauthorized interference. This disclaimer concerns the Website and does not alter any duties imposed by applicable law or agreements governing individual ADR proceedings.
15. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, GCAAM shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages arising solely from access to, use of, or inability to use the Website. This limitation does not apply to liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited. Nothing in these Terms is intended to limit the rights or obligations of parties, neutrals, or GCAAM under an applicable mediation agreement, arbitration agreement, procedural rule, or governing law.
16. Governing Law
These Terms, insofar as they concern the use and operation of this Website, shall be governed by the laws of the State of Georgia, without regard to conflict-of-law principles, except where applicable law requires otherwise. This provision does not determine the substantive law, jurisdiction, venue, or procedural rules governing any underlying dispute submitted to mediation or arbitration. Those matters shall be determined by the applicable agreements, rules, court orders, and governing law.
17. Changes to These Terms
GCAAM reserves the right to revise or update these Terms periodically. Updated Terms will be posted on this Website with a revised effective date. Continued use of the Website following publication of revised Terms constitutes acceptance of those Terms to the extent permitted by applicable law. Changes to these Website Terms will not retroactively modify existing agreements governing ADR proceedings.
18. Severability
If any provision of these Terms is determined to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain effective to the fullest extent permitted by law.
19. Contact Information
Questions concerning these Terms of Service or GCAAM’s services may be directed to: Georgia Center for Arbitration & Mediation (GCAAM), 805 South Hansell Street, Thomasville, Georgia 31792. South Georgia: (229) 226-4818. Atlanta: (404) 446-0575. Email: [email protected]. Website: https://gcaam.com/.
Last Updated: October 21, 2026
