0800 038 5828
0800 038 5828
Family arbitration
Family arbitration avoids the time and expense of going to court. With over 25 years’ experience in family law, Beckett Solicitors have the skills, knowledge and expertise to deal with your financial dispute. Contact one of our offices in Rainham, Sittingbourne, Canterbury, Maidstone, Ashford or Croydon for details.
Why should I use arbitration?
Arbitration is a fantastic way of resolving legal disputes out of court during a divorce or separation. It enables you to resolve all types of financial and child disputes more quickly, cheaply and in a more flexible and less formal setting than a court room. Arbitration is a real alternative to court and mediation that you shouldn’t ignore. Ask us for more details.
How does it work?
Couples agree to use an arbitrator who makes a decision that is legally binding. They do not have to be legally represented and the arbitrator will guide them through the process. Arbitrators are essentially private judges but have much more flexibility. With the help of the arbitrator couples can decide the issues for themselves and what they want the arbitrator to decide for them.
The arbitrator hears all the evidence and any comments or observations that the couple wish to make. This could be done at a hearing (like a court hearing) or in writing. The arbitrator then reaches a decision using family law principles, in the same way as a judge. The arbitrator’s decision is recorded in a formal document which allows the financial order to be fast tracked through the court system.
What happens if someone doesn’t like the decision?
Unless there is something very wrong with the arbitrator’s decision the court will uphold it and the couple will be bound by the arbitrator’s award. It's worth noting that arbitration works well with mediation. Call us to discuss arbitration and how it can help you.
Nadia is a trained family arbitrator and a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. Nadia subscribes to Resolution’s code of conduct in all family disputes. You may also find mediation and collaborative law of interest.
Neutral Legal Advice
This is particularly helpful for couples who wish to avoid court and can be used in children and money disputes. Instead of a binding decision you can ask us to give you and your former partner neutral legal advice. This can help you to resolve your dispute out of court and can save you a lot of time and money. The information that you each provide, and the advice given, is confidential and without prejudice which means it cannot be used in court if you do not reach an agreement. You can ask us for neutral legal advice at any stage of your separation including court and mediation. Call us to discuss neutral legal advice and how it can help you.
Your dispute doesn’t have to go to court. Ask Beckett Solicitors about family arbitration.
Freephone 0800 038 5828