Family Law Arbitration
A faster, more flexible way to resolve family disputes.
If you’re looking for a quicker, more private way to resolve family disputes – especially around finances – arbitration could be the ideal solution.
It’s an effective alternative to court, offering the same legally binding outcome without the stress, delays, or public exposure.
With arbitration, you stay in control, allowing you to tailor the process to fit your needs.
What is arbitration in family law?
Arbitration allows both parties to appoint an independent arbitrator, similar to a judge, to settle disputes.
The benefits
You get to choose an arbitrator who best understands your case, and they’ll work with you to reach a binding decision. This is particularly useful in cases involving financial settlements, property division or other complex issues.
Once you and the other party agree to arbitration, you’ll both instruct the arbitrator to hear your case. After reviewing all the evidence and arguments, they’ll make a legally binding decision on how assets should be divided.
The outcome is the same as if a judge had made the decision – but with far more flexibility and control.
Call us on 020 7426 4915 or
Request a callbackHow arbitration works.
When you opt for arbitration, you and the other party first select a trained arbitrator who has the right expertise for your specific case. Once chosen, the process is straightforward: both parties present their evidence, and the arbitrator, together with their legal team, will make a binding decision.
One of the key benefits of arbitration is that it’s quicker and more focused than court proceedings.
You’re not bound by the court’s schedule, meaning you can resolve matters on a timetable that works for you.
Why choose arbitration?
- Arbitration can be much faster than going through the courts. You set the pace, so there’s no waiting months – or even years – for a court date.
- You can choose an arbitrator with specific experience in family law, ensuring they understand your unique situation. Plus, you get to decide when and where the process takes place.
- Unlike court, arbitration happens behind closed doors, often in a barristers’ chambers rather than in a busy court waiting room; meaning your personal matters stay private.
- While you do need to pay for the arbitrator’s time, the overall process is typically more efficient than court, often saving you money in the long run.
- The arbitrator’s decision is final and binding, just like a court order. This gives you the certainty and closure you need.
Is arbitration the right choice for you?
Arbitration is ideal if you want to resolve financial disputes quickly and privately, without the drawn-out stress of court proceedings.
It’s particularly suited to those who need an expert decision-maker to step in when negotiations or mediation haven’t been successful.
If you value privacy, flexibility, and control over the process, arbitration is a strong alternative to court.
Our approach
At Thomas Mansfield, we understand that every family’s situation is unique. We offer expert advice tailored to your particular needs and requirements.
We will act quickly and sensitively for you and carefully consider with you your settlement options at the outset. We will recommend the right negotiation process for you whether that involves issuing proceedings or offering alternative out of court solutions.
Our experienced team of family law specialists are here to support you through the process and we pride ourselves on excellent client care and personal contact with our clients. We will do our utmost to take as much stress as possible out of the process for you.
With offices across London and the South East, we’re conveniently placed to help you wherever you are.
Whether you’re dealing with financial settlements, property division or any other family law issues, we’ll ensure you get the right support from start to finish.
Meet our family law team
Is arbitration the right choice for you?
Arbitration is ideal if you want to resolve financial disputes quickly and privately, without the drawn-out stress of court proceedings.
It’s particularly suited to those who need an expert decision-maker to step in when negotiations or mediation haven’t been successful.
If you value privacy, flexibility, and control over the process, arbitration is a strong alternative to court.
Our approach
At Thomas Mansfield, we understand that every family’s situation is unique. We offer expert advice tailored to your particular needs and requirements.
We will act quickly and sensitively for you and carefully consider with you your settlement options at the outset. We will recommend the right negotiation process for you whether that involves issuing proceedings or offering alternative out of court solutions.
Our experienced team of family law specialists are here to support you through the process and we pride ourselves on excellent client care and personal contact with our clients. We will do our utmost to take as much stress as possible out of the process for you.
With offices across London and the South East, we’re conveniently placed to help you wherever you are.
Whether you’re dealing with financial settlements, property division or any other family law issues, we’ll ensure you get the right support from start to finish.
Call us on 020 7426 4915 or
Request a callback
What clients say about us
Thomas Mansfield has an exceptional and highly collaborative team. Whenever my key point of contact has been away, issues are quickly picked up and dealt with by other members of the team, all of whom appear to have a great, collective and collaborative understanding of their clients’ issues.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way of preparing for arbitration, collaborative law or mediation sessions?
What happens if one party doesn't comply with an out of court decision?
It depends on the process. Agreements reached in family mediation or collaborative law aren't legally binding unless they're turned into a consent order approved by the court. Once that happens, the court can enforce the terms if someone doesn't comply.
Arbitration is different: the arbitrator's decision is legally binding from the outset and enforceable like a court judgment. If one side ignores it, legal action can be taken -- sometimes with financial penalties. Your family arbitration solicitor can explain your options if this becomes an issue.
How can arbitration help with divorce or separation?
Arbitration is a private way of resolving disputes. You and your partner appoint an arbitrator, who acts much like a judge, to make a decision on finances or child arrangements. It's often faster and more flexible than going through the courts, and it avoids the delays -- and publicity -- that court cases can involve.
For many couples, arbitration provides a clear outcome in a quicker, more discreet setting.
What is collaborative law in divorce proceedings?
Collaborative law means both you and your partner -- and your solicitors -- commit to resolving everything outside court. You'll attend a series of face-to-face meetings, working together to agree on finances, property, and child arrangements.
A key feature is that if the process breaks down, the solicitors involved can't go on to represent you in court. That rule helps keep everyone focused on reaching an agreement.
Can a divorcing couple use the same solicitor?
Can out of court approaches be used to address child arrangements & support?
Are agreements reached through arbitration, mediation, and collaborative law legally binding?
How does mediation work in divorce or separation cases?
Mediation involves sitting down with a trained mediator, who helps you and your partner talk through issues like money, property and arrangements for your children. The mediator doesn't take sides but helps keep discussions focused and constructive.
Mediation is usually quicker, less stressful and less costly than going to court. Any agreement you reach can later be made legally binding through a consent order.
Ready to talk things through?
Speak with our family law solicitors.
Family matters often involve important decisions about your future and your children. Our experienced family law solicitors provide thoughtful, specialist advice tailored to your circumstances.
Complete our form to arrange an initial discussion, or call us to speak directly with our family law team.
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