A new Family Law Children Arbitration Scheme is due to launch this summer, offering parents the option of using arbitration to determine children’s issues during separation.
According to family law organisation Resolution, “The Rules for the scheme are currently being finalised and roll-out is planned for July this year. A series of training events is in place for both for existing financial arbitrators and those practitioners who have not undertaken arbitration training to date who can demonstrate substantial and current experience in children work.”
Arbitration is an out-of-court method of dispute resolution that is used to deal with business and financial disputes, providing both parties with an objective perspective and a final binding decision. Arbitration can be used by couples wishing to separate, but prior to ‘The Children Scheme’ was not suitable for resolving children’s issues. The new scheme aims to allow parents to determine parental responsibility and make decisions about the welfare of their children after separation.
Many couples choose arbitration because it is generally faster, simpler, more private and less expensive than going to court. Arbitration may also be a good choice if you feel you are unable to work collaboratively with your ex in mediation, since it is the arbitrator who makes the final decision. An arbitrator can make decisions on individual issues or determine the entire outcome of your case. You can choose who you appoint as your arbitrator, as well as the timescale and location of meetings, making it much more flexible than a court divorce, too.
For more information on arbitration and other alternatives for dispute resolution, speak to a family law solicitor at Frances Lindsay & Co. Frances Lindsay is a member of the Institute of Arbitrators and the only fully qualified Family Law Arbitrator in the Thames Valley. Visit us at www.franceslindsay.co.uk for more details and to get in touch.
