You might have seen that we recently launched our Arbitration Service. We’ve all heard of mediation and court proceedings, but what is arbitration?
It is where a qualified arbitrator (a lawyer or judge who specialises in arrangements about the care of children) makes a decision about a child’s care. Before making their decision, the arbitrator hears from each parent about what they think is in their child’s best interests.
The arbitrator’s decision is legally binding, and once made, the arbitrator sends it to the court.
Our service is part of the Children’s Arbitration Scheme set up by the Institute of Family Law Arbitrators and approved by the court.
We can arrange arbitration at relatively short notice, and much faster than a court would arrange a final hearing. Given the Covid-19 crisis, we can also arrange arbitration via video conferencing.
As parents, you pay half each of the arbitrator’s fee. You can instruct a barrister or solicitor to represent you at the arbitration or you can speak for yourself.
The benefits of arbitration are that it is a quick, easy and cheaper alternative to court. Our Arbitrator is Sarah Evans, you can read all about her here.
To find out about our Arbitration Service, call us on 0117 214 1797 or email us on office@childreninthemiddle.co.uk.