Arbitration is a form of dispute resolution. The parties enter into an agreement under which they appoint a suitably qualified person to adjudicate a dispute and produce a result which will bind them. This process is governed by the Arbitration Act 1996 in England. The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) is the professional body to which most English arbitrators belong.

In summary, the scheme covers any financial and property dispute arising from family relationships, including divorce, dissolution of a civil partnership and separation. The scheme does not apply to disputes directly concerning the care and parenting of children, the liberty of individuals, the status of individuals or their relationship and bankruptcy or insolvency.

Family arbitration is a quicker, more cost effective and flexible way of dealing with family disputes than the traditional route of court proceedings. It becomes available as an alternative option for resolving family disputes from 22 February 2012.

For further information and advice on this issue, and other family law issues, please contact us for a free initial consultation on 01992 306 616 or 0207 956 2740 or email us.