Rollits Partner Qualifies as a Family Arbitrator
We are delighted to announcethat Sheridan Ball has been appointed a Member of the CharteredInstitute of Arbitrators (MCIArb) and is one of a handful ofqualified family arbitrators in the Yorkshire and Humberregion.
Sheridan, who heads upRollits' first-class family team, is an experienced family lawyerwith over 20 years expertise in this area of law and an AdvancedMember of the Law Society Family Panel specialising in FinancialMatters and Private Children Arrangements.
Sheridan has also been anAccredited Family Mediator for the last 15 years and a PractitionerMember of the Law Society Family Mediation Panel since 2001. Shepractises as a Resolution Accredited Collaborative Family LawPractitioner and is also accredited by Resolution as a ProfessionalPractice Consultant to supervise mediators.
The Family Law ArbitrationScheme was launched on 26 March 2012 as a result of collaborationbetween the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, the Family Law BarAssociation, Resolution and the Centre for Child and Family LawReform. Arbitration is an alternative judicial processenabling Parties to resolve financial disputes privately, quickly,and cheaply in a more flexible and less formal setting than a CourtRoom. It is envisaged that Arbitration will also save CourtResources and reduce pressure on the already stretched FamilyCourt.
Sheridan had to go through aselection process to undertake the training based on aptitude,knowledge and experience supported by judicial referees. Thetraining was then carried out by the Chartered Institute ofArbitrators in London involving private study, face to facetutorials and role play workshops. Finally candidates whosuccessfully pass this stage of the training were then required toachieve a minimum 80% pass rate on a written Award/Decisionexamination.
Sheridan Ball comments "Underthe Scheme divorcing/separating Parties agree to appoint a FamilyArbitrator to determine their financial disputes in accordance withthe law of England and Wales - they also agree to be bound by theArbitrator's decision - only in limited circumstances can theyappeal the Arbitrator's decision to the Court of Appeal.
"The Arbitration process caninvolve hearings or it may be a paper determination. If thereare hearings they are arranged at times convenient for theParties.
"In essence Arbitration is aprivate judicial process and is therefore a genuine alternative wayto the court process."
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.