As a law firm, we are entirely committed to various forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) for divorce and family law problems. We already have two jointly qualified family mediators/lawyers and an accredited collaborative lawyer. And there is now a 3rd ADR alternative to solve your divorce and family law issues – family law arbitration using Arbitrators are accredited by the Institute of Family Law Arbitrators.
So how does family arbitration actually work?
1. Parties choose the arbitrator this.
When a dispute goes to Court, parties have absolutely no say over the Judge appointed to oversee the case. By contrast, the parties, parties can choose an arbitrator to conduct discussions under the Family Arbitration Scheme. This enables parties to select an arbitrator with the expertise and experience they desire. Furthermore, this arbitrator will remain unchanged throughout the arbitration process so they are guaranteed continuity and consistency.
2. Family Arbitration -It’s fast
Many arbitrators will agree in advance to accelerate the conduct of proceedings. Parties are also able to set the timetable for arbitration, provided that it fits in with the arbitrator’s schedule, and that both parties agree to it. Arbitration can therefore be significantly faster and more convenient than Court proceedings, where the timetable is not open to negotiation and all matters will be dealt with thoroughly.
3. It’s usually cheaper than Court
There are various possible costs associated with arbitration, including the arbitrator’s fees, the cost of hiring a neutral venue and the costs of any necessary administrative services. However, if used sensibly, arbitration can prove far less expensive than Court proceedings. By limiting disclosure and the scope of arbitration to only the most contentious issues parties can make substantial savings.
4. You can tailor the Family Arbitration process to suit your needs
• Under arbitration, parties can pick and choose which issues are on the agenda or discussion, meaning they can include some or all of their areas of dispute.
• Arbitration is usually more discrete and can be completed on paper if necessary.
• The arbitrator and the parties can use various procedures in order to reach a fair outcome – they need not follow ordinary Court procedures.
• Unlike Court hearings, the dates and venues for discussions can be changed.
Wiltshire Family Law Arbitration – Call for FREE Initial Phone Advice and a FREE 1/2 Hour Appointment
For more information and to find out whether your family law case in Wiltshire is well-suited to one of these approaches, simply call our specialist family lawyers or email us using the form today.
Initial advice over the phone is free – as is your first half hour appointment for all family law and divorce issues.
Bonallack and Bishop, Bonallack and Bishop
Rougemont House, Queensberry House,
Rougemont Close, 5 Salisbury Street,
Salisbury, Amesbury,
Wiltshire Wiltshire
SP1 1LY SP4 7AW
Tel: Salisbury [01722] 422300 Tel: Amesbury (01980) 622992