Arbitration

1 Crown Office Row Brighton has expertise in both Family Finance and Family Children Arbitration with a number of members in our successful family team having become qualified Arbitrators and members of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIARB).

Our Arbitrators can be instructed to help resolve financial disputes of all types by making awards, and some private law children disputes by making determinations, which operate under the IFLA family law arbitration schemes.

Recognised in the Legal 500 as being in ‘a strong position to offer family and children arbitration’ Chambers has the facilities to offer in-person arbitrations in our centrally located Chambers in Brighton as well as being able to offer remote arbitrations and with our arbitrators also willing and able to travel to locations across the UK to suit client requirements.

For solicitors and clients looking to resolve disputes in a timely fashion we offer a cost-effective solution that avoids the lengthy delays we see in the Family Court.

We have seen a recent increase in the numbers of enquiries for Arbitrations in Chambers and we can offer flexibility for clients and a straightforward process from start to finish.

Chambers is able to offer competitive fees along with a professional service whether the parties have issued applications to court or where proceedings are yet to be issued. Arbitration can be considered at any stage of the process with written determinations provided within set timeframes agreed at the outset.

Contact our practice managers here for more information.

For more information about arbitration visit IFLA.  

Some of the key advantages of Arbitration over waiting for a court hearing are:

1. Speed– a matter of confirming availability with the parties and Arbitrator, thereby avoiding long court delays and the possibility of last minute adjournments.
2. Cost– the parties pay the Arbitrators fee, together with any cost of the venue (generally held within Chambers, so no cost), compared to potentially months of ongoing legal fees as the case waits for its hearing date. In many cases, the cost comparison falls in favour of the Arbitration route.
3. Choice of Arbitrator – The parties can jointly decide on the identity of the Arbitrator, unlike court proceedings, where a Judge is allocated regardless. That Arbitrator will have time set aside for reading and preparation, therefore fully prepared for the arbitration hearing.
4. Consistency – Once an Arbitrator has been appointed, that Arbitrator stays for the duration of the process.
5. Flexibility – under the rules, the parties and the Arbitrator have greater discretion in the procedures they adopt for the purposes of their individual case. The scope and ambit of the Arbitration is defined by the parties.
6. Selection of issues – by agreement an Arbitrator may be appointed to decide one, a number, or all of the issues in dispute.

See our dedicated ADR website here.