family law arbitration

Do you have an urgent issue in your case that needs to be addressed sooner than the court has availability? Or maybe you want to keep your proceedings private and outside of the public records at the courthouse? Perhaps you have tried mediation, but despite your best efforts you were not able to reach an agreement. What do you do?

An often under-utilized tool of alternative dispute resolution in family law cases is arbitration. In an arbitration proceeding, disputes are resolved in a manner very similar to a court hearing. Both parties can offer evidence and testimony subject to statutory rules. The difference between arbitration and traditional litigation is the person who hears the case. In court, your case is tried to an elected judge (or in some cases, a jury). In arbitration, your case is tried to an arbitrator agreed upon by the parties.  Below is a non-exhaustive list of benefits of arbitration that may make it right for your case:

• Confidential and Private - No Public Records

• Choice in the selection of the Arbitrator

• Flexibility with scheduling and the potential for expedited proceedings for pressing issues

• Relaxed time limits for temporary order hearings

• The ability to try certain aspects of a case to an arbitrator, and other aspects to the court (limited scope arbitration)

Another benefit to arbitration is that it is good for the courts too. Removing certain matters from the court’s docket to an arbitrator’s docket frees up space for court hearings, increases judicial economy, and altogether helps in making sure all family law matters are timely heard.

Whether you need help timely resolving temporary orders pending in a court with a heavy docket, or you want your entire case tried outside of the public eye, we can help.