R.C. 2711.01 Interpretation

R.C. 2711.01 (A) provides: "A provision in any written contract, except as provided in division (B) of this section, to settle by arbitration a controversy that subsequently arises out of the contract, or out of the refusal to perform the whole or any part of the contract, or any agreement in writing between two or more persons to submit to arbitration any controversy existing between them at the time of the agreement to submit, or arising after the agreement to submit, from a relationship then existing between them or that they simultaneously create, shall be valid, irrevocable, and enforceable, except upon grounds that exist at law or in equity for the revocation of any contract." In Ohio, the resolution of disputes through arbitration is encouraged as a matter of public policy. Kelm v. Kelm, 68 Ohio St.3d 26, 27, 1993 Ohio 56, 623 N.E.2d 39. This policy is expressed in R.C. 2711.01, which provides that such agreements "shall be valid, irrevocable, and enforceable, except upon grounds that exist at law or in equity for the revocation of any contract." Id.