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[wlyonsatl]

Upwork's description of the process is not well written and doesn't address what happens if one or both of you reject the Upwork mediator's "recommendation" and you both reject going to arbitration:

QUOTE

If you accept the dispute

The funds held in escrow will be released to the freelancer or agency.

If you reject the dispute

An Upwork dispute specialist will provide mediation assistance to both parties to try and resolve the matter. The mediation period will not exceed 30 days, and if you and your freelancer are unable to reach an agreement, the dispute specialist will make a non-binding recommendation. If that recommendation is rejected, the final option is to proceed to arbitration, where a decision will be made by the American Arbitration Association, a neutral third-party organization. The total cost for arbitration is $875, with the client paying $291, the freelancer $291 and Upwork $293. See the Upwork Fixed Price Escrow Instructions for more details.

UNQUOTE

Please come back and tell us how this finally worked out for you.

[BojanS]

Hi Aaron,

We won't be able to discuss a specific case here in the Community. The Mediation specialist will guide you through the process and you can post any questions in the ticket you already have with the team.

Thank you!