Lenny1970………..
Without reading all the signed documents I could not give you a legal opinion That said, it matters not what your prehearing discussions were (oral or in e-mails). A civil court is bound by the 4 corners of the contract (the document you signed). If the limitation of arbitration is NOT in the contract than as far as civil courts are concerned it does not exist,
You would be hard pressed to prove that you signed the agreement for a hearing under duress or lack of mental ability making it void. Such a claim regarding mental status could lead to you being placed under a guardianship or even being institutionalized.
I wish you well and hope that you can go forward and build a new and different life. There is life after divorce, and it is often better.