Resolve family disputes privately with arbitration

Court proceedings can be lengthy, often dragging on for months or even years. With arbitration, you can set the timeline that works best for you and your former partner, avoiding the backlogs common in the family courts. This allows for a quicker resolution, helping you move on with your life sooner.

In arbitration, you have the unique opportunity to choose your decision-maker. Unlike court cases, where a judge is assigned, both parties agree on an arbitrator together. This can be a senior lawyer, part-time judge, or a specialist in family law. Having a say in who handles your case provides greater confidence in the process, as the arbitrator will be someone with the expertise and experience to understand the complexities of your situation.

Family disputes are often deeply personal, involving sensitive information about finances or child arrangements. Arbitration is a private process, meaning the details of your case won’t be disclosed in a public courtroom. This confidentiality is particularly valuable for individuals who wish to protect their privacy and keep family matters out of the public eye.

Arbitration offers a level of flexibility that court proceedings simply can’t match. You can decide whether to resolve the dispute on paper (submitting documents for review), focus on a specific issue, or opt for a full in-person hearing. You also have the freedom to choose the location, including remote or virtual hearings, which can make the process more convenient and less stressful.

While there is a fee for hiring an arbitrator, the overall cost of arbitration is often significantly lower than going to court. The faster timeline means fewer solicitor hours and less financial strain on both parties. By avoiding prolonged litigation, you can save both time and money while reaching a resolution that works for everyone involved.

The outcome of arbitration, known as the arbitration award, is legally binding, just like a court order. This provides certainty and finality, ensuring that both parties are required to adhere to the decision. It’s a reliable way to achieve closure and avoid further disputes, helping you focus on moving forward.

At Anthony Gold Solicitors, our family team is recognised for handling a wide range of family law matters, from complex financial disputes to sensitive child arrangements. Ranked by Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners, we bring extensive experience and deep understanding of family issues, ensuring that you receive the best possible guidance throughout the arbitration process.

By choosing arbitration with Anthony Gold Solicitors, you’re opting for a tailored, efficient, and private way to resolve your family dispute, backed by the expertise of a trusted legal team.

The process begins when both parties agree to resolve their dispute through arbitration. This agreement is formalised with a written document, which outlines the specific issues to be addressed, whether related to financial settlements, child arrangements, or other family matters. The agreement to arbitrate is a commitment from both sides to accept the arbitrator’s decision as final and binding.

One of the key advantages of arbitration is the ability to choose your decision-maker. Together with your former partner, you select an arbitrator who is an expert in family law. The chosen arbitrator could be a part-time judge or a senior solicitor with significant experience in complex family matters. This selection process allows both parties to feel confident in the arbitrator’s impartiality and expertise.

Arbitration is flexible and can be tailored to suit your needs. There are several formats to choose from:

• Paper Arbitration: This is a streamlined option where both parties submit written evidence and documents to the arbitrator, who then makes a decision based on the submissions. It’s often quicker and more cost-effective.
• Discrete Issue Arbitration: If there’s only one sticking point (e.g., the valuation of an asset or a specific point of child contact), the arbitration can focus solely on that issue, providing a quicker resolution.
• In-Person Hearing: For more complex matters, you may opt for an in-person hearing. This is similar to a court hearing, but it’s conducted in a private setting and allows for more flexible scheduling. Remote hearings are also available, offering convenience and accessibility.

During the hearing (if chosen), both parties have the opportunity to present their case, provide evidence, and make their arguments. The arbitrator, acting as a neutral decision-maker, listens carefully to both sides and may ask questions to clarify the issues. The atmosphere is usually less formal than a courtroom, making it a more comfortable experience for everyone involved.

After reviewing all the evidence and submissions, the arbitrator issues a decision, known as the arbitration award. This award is binding, meaning it carries the same weight as a court order. The arbitrator’s decision is final and enforceable, providing clarity and certainty for both parties. This ensures that you can move forward with your life, knowing that the matter has been resolved definitively.

Once the arbitration award is issued, it’s the responsibility of both parties to comply with the decision. If necessary, the award can be formalised by the court to ensure enforceability. In most cases, however, the parties accept the decision without further legal action, appreciating the speed and finality of the process.