If an agreement or provision for arbitration provides a method for the initiation of arbitration, such method shall be followed. In the absence thereof, the party desiring to initiate the arbitration shall, within the time specified by the contract, if any, file with the other party a notice of an intention to arbitrate which notice shall contain a statement setting forth the nature of the dispute, the amount involved, and the remedy sought. A party upon whom the demand for arbitration is made may file an answering statement to the other party within twenty (20) days after receipt of the initial demand. If no answer is filed within the stated time, it will be treated as a denial of the claim. Failure to file an answer shall not operate to delay the arbitration.Laws, 1981, ch. 495, § 4, eff. 7/1/1981.
Mississippi Legal Code