Arbitration is essentially a private hearing before an appointed arbitrator to determine the dispute and to make a binding award.
The parties jointly appoint an arbitrator. They can agree that the arbitrator is determining specific issues only or whether the arbitrator hears evidence or determines the dispute on paper. Participants can control the timetable, the location of the hearing and the facilities. Arbitration is confidential, unlike the court process where reporting of cases is being encouraged.
In family disputes, participants often opt for arbitration when there is urgency to achieve a resolution e.g. schools, house sales, or mortgage offers.
An arbitration date will not be vacated due to a 'lack of judicial availability'.
On the day, the parties have the undivided attention of the arbitrator who will have read all the documents provided in advance and be ready to hear what they say.
At the end of the process, the arbitrator prepares a written decision (the award). In family cases, such an award usually will be made into a court order on an expedited basis.
Participants often feel less stressed at College Chambers, where there are proper facilities specifically available during any hearings before the arbitrator
College Chambers can offer you:
Look at College Chambers Private Dispute Resolution Services for full details
Legal Expertise You Can Trust
Barrister
(2001)
Deputy Head of Chambers
Joint Head of Family Finance
First-Tier Tribunal Judge