Family Arbitration

Our Partner Olive McCarthy is an experienced accredited practitioner of financial arbitration in family matters.

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Family Arbitration

A faster alternative to court for resolving family disputes

With the immense pressure on the UK courts, we are committed to finding you an alternative resolution to your family matter if an agreement cannot otherwise be reached.

Family arbitration is an alternative to court proceedings as a means of resolving disputes relating to financial matters or children. It is faster, confidential, less formal and can be more cost-effective than going to court, especially in cases where a single issue is the only obstacle preventing an agreement.

Our specialist family lawyers will explain the advantages of arbitration to you and guide you through the process.

There are two types of arbitrator in family matters. One who hears financial disputes on relationship and marriage breakdowns and the other who hears child-related issues. One of our Partners, Olive McCarthy is an accredited financial arbitrator.

If you opt for arbitration, the same arbitrator will see the case through from the outset, giving you and your partner more control of the process and its pace. This includes selecting the venue, communication methods, and the extent of the arbitrator’s involvement. Eventually, they will make a final and binding decision which is drafted into an order which the court endorses.

Our lawyers will use their considerable skills and experience by acting on your behalf in any arbitration process. Additionally, Olive McCarthy can make binding decisions in financial arbitrations for couples instructing other solicitors outside of Taylor Walton.

Whilst arbitration suits most family cases, there are instances where it may not be suitable, such as when third-party evidence is necessary or when there is a risk of asset concealment.

If you would like to consider arbitration for a family matter, please get in touch with a member of the team at St Albans, Harpenden or Luton for a detailed discussion.


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