No18 Chambers offers a new service of Children Arbitration under the Institute of Family Law Arbitrators (‘IFLA’) Scheme. The Family Law Arbitration Scheme was launched by the Institute of Family Lar Arbitrators (IFLA) created by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Resolution, the FLBA and the Centre for Child and Family Law Reform.
Children Arbitration can be used to determine Child Arrangements, issues with schooling, holidays, or relocation. Children Arbitration is not an option where there are issues in relation to safeguarding such as domestic abuse, drugs/ alcohol problems or mental health issues or disputes concerning child abduction or life-threatening issues. Children Arbitration requires the parties to provide safeguarding information at the outset.
There are a number of advantages of using arbitration-
- Flexibility and greater choice.
- Informality.
- Speed.
- Cost effective.
- Remote or in person.
- Tailor made to your case.
During the hearings, the parties can agree directions including experts or in the alternative this can be determined by the arbitrator. The arbitrator can hear evidence and submissions from the parties, reaching a decision which will be binding on the parties. The parties will receive a written determination, confirming the reasons for the decision. The parties can then submit an order to court for approval.
The parties pay their own costs, any costs of any experts and the costs of the arbitrator.
To assist the parties and their representatives, Katherine offers an initial zoom chat with both solicitors to explain the process.
For more information contact our clerking team.
