Arbitration is a relatively new concept in family matters, although it has been around for many years to deal with commercial disputes.
Arbitration is a private, formal and binding process where disputes are resolved by a final award made by an Arbitrator. Until arbitration was introduced, the only way to resolve issues that could not be agreed upon was via the Court.
Susan Clark is an Arbitrator.
Arbitration can deal with:-
- Financial issues arising out of marriage breakdown such as maintenance, payment of a lump sum, orders relating to property and division of pension funds.
- Financial provision for children (over and above what the CMS/CSA can deal with) – this is important where parties are unmarried and for example a house needs to be provided for a mother who cares for the children.
- Maintenance for children where both parties live in the UK will still be dealt with by the CMS/CSA but Arbitration could be used for the costs of university and support of a child over 18 years, for maintenance where one party lives abroad or for ‘top up’ orders where income is high and additional income is needed.
- Disputes between partners who live together. If there is a dispute about how the proceeds of a property should be divided where it has been purchased jointly or in the sole name of one of the parties.
To find out more about our Arbitration Services visit: