Children Arbitration Scheme now launched

On Monday the Institute of Family Law Arbitrators (IFLA)launched the Family Law Arbitration Children Scheme to strengthenthe use of arbitration relating to family disputes.

Arbitration enables parties to resolve disputes without thedelay and expense of the court process. It provides for amore flexible process and guarantees confidentiality where that isrequired or necessary. Parties appoint an independentarbitrator who will act fairly and impartially to make a decisionwhich will be final and binding upon them.

Since 2012 family law arbitration has only been available todeal with financial matters. The new scheme now allowscouples the opportunity to resolve disputes concerning the exerciseof parental responsibility and other private law issues regardingthe welfare of children. This will cover issues relating towhere children should live, how much time they should spend witheach parent and relocation in England and Wales.

Nigel Shepherd, Chair of Resolution (and family arbitrator),said

"Resolution is committed tohelping separating families find the best approach to resolvingissues. Since its launch, arbitration has provided couples with aspeedy, flexible and cost-effective way to sort out their financeswhere they cannot reach agreement. I'm delighted that this newscheme has been established to extend these benefits to thosefamilies needing a decision on the arrangements for theirchildren."

If you require any further information on arbitration pleasecontact a member of our family team on 01482 337361.

This article is for general guidance only. It provides useful information in a concise form. Action should not be taken without obtaining specific legal advice.