ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION—ARBITRATION
03-2-2068 Eric Baker Architecture, P.C. v. Mehmel, App. Div. (per curiam) (10 pp.) Plaintiff, Eric Baker Architecture, P.C. (Baker), appeals from an order denying Baker’s request to compel defendants, Robert and Barbara Mehmels, to submit their claims to arbitration. The Mehmels had asserted those claims against Baker in a separate action dealing with alleged defects in a home the Mehmels purchased from Louis and Linda Molinari, which was designed by Baker. The Molinaris had entered into a written agreement with Baker, pursuant to which the Molinaris engaged Baker to provide architectural services for the design of the new home. The architectural contract contained a broad arbitration provision. The appellate panel affirms the trial judge’s finding that no agreement existed between the Mehmels and Baker that would require the Mehmels’ claims against Baker be arbitrated. [Decided Nov. 26, 2013.]
