When a relationship breaks down it can be a challenging time, and you may be finding it difficult to reach an agreement with your former partner regarding shared property, finances or child arrangements. In certain circumstances, family arbitration offers another useful route to help resolve disputes. It involves you and your partner appointing an arbitrator to make a decision that will be binding between you. This means you will avoid the additional stress, delay and expense of going to court and appearing before a judge. The process of arbitration is flexible and can be tailored to the needs and wishes of the parties involved.
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What is Family Arbitration?
Arbitration is a process used for resolving different types of family disputes and is specifically beneficial for matters including finances and child arrangements.
The process differs from mediation in that rather than focusing on helping you and your former partner reach agreements, an arbitrator will listen to both of your viewpoints and concerns and will make a decision based on what they think is the most suitable way to move forward.
For matters regarding children, an arbitrator will always reach a decision based on what they think will be in the best interests and wellbeing of any child or children.
Once an arbitrator has been appointed, it is common for a preliminary meeting to be held between the parties, legal representatives and the arbitrator, to examine the disputes and agree on a process and timetable.
The arbitrator’s decision is binding on the parties, and is often followed by an application to the court to incorporate the award into a formal court order.
Advantages of Arbitration
There are many advantages of seeking arbitration rather than going through traditional court proceedings, such as:
- Choice of arbitrator: you will be in control of choosing an independent expert best suited to your situation. Arbitrators typically tend to be experienced solicitors, barristers, legal executives and retired judges.
- Choice of issues: you can choose what you want the arbitrator to decide.
- Confidentiality: there is no possibility of media reporting, making the matter completely private.
- Continuity: the same arbitrator will deal with all the steps in your case
- Potential cost savings: although you pay for the arbitrator, the ability to limit the issues, adapt the process and get a decision more quickly tends to reduce costs. The costs of going to court are usually far higher.
- Speed: you will recieve a decision much more quickly by using arbitration as a method of dispute resolution.
There are some situations where arbitration might not be a suitable option and we can advise you on what those are. However, in many cases, arbitration is a useful method to help resolve matters.
Our team of family solicitors will take the time to understand your situation and will assess if arbitration is suitable for you circumstances.
We will also help guide you through the process step by step, providing you with our expertise combined with sensitivity and understanding.
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Ammarah Balouch’s guidance and preparation made the first hearing much more manageable. From the start, she was well-prepared and communicated clearly, explaining each stage, so I knew what to expect. Because the case involved my daughter, it was emotionally challenging for me. However, Ammarah remained calm and professional throughout. She ensured the key points were clearly articulated and kept the discussion focused on my daughter’s best interests. Her practical advice, steady support, and responsive communication reduced my stress and boosted my confidence. Following the hearing, we achieved a significant milestone in establishing contact with my daughter, which had previously been made difficult by my ex-wife. This outcome highlighted the effectiveness of Ammarah’s approach and preparation, and I would confidently recommend her to anyone needing support in a family matter.
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Following my initial consultation with Fullers Family Law I chose Fullers to manage my Divorce proceedings and my Financial Matters / Financial Remedy. In all aspects of my case Fullers Family Law have been excellent. I must however specifically mention Asia who has handled my financial matters and been a tower of strength through a most difficult time. I have found Asia to be calm, confident, highly knowledgeable, efficient and honest with a kind and reassuring manner even when I doubted a fair and reasonable settlement was possible. Throughout the process which, through absolutely no fault on Asia`s part, resulted in the case going before the Courts. Asia was professional, supportive, caring and provided clear, realistic advice and guidance. I am absolutely certain that without Asia I would not have been able to secure what I consider to be a very fair and reasonable settlement. I can genuinely recommend Fullers Family Law and specifically Asia Razaq-Miah.
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I had the pleasure of working with Reena Bhanderi for my divorce case, and I cannot recommend her highly enough. From the beginning, Reena was incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and compassionate, guiding me through what was a very challenging time. She took the time to explain every step of the process in clear terms, always ensuring that I felt informed and supported. Her attention to detail and dedication to achieving the best outcome for me was outstanding. Reena was always responsive, and her calm and reassuring approach made a difficult situation much easier to manage. I am extremely grateful for her expertise and would wholeheartedly recommend her services to anyone in need of a solicitor. Thank you, Reena, for your excellent work!
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