Arbitration is another option for resolving disputes when parties are unable to reach a resolution on their own or through mediation and do not want to litigate the matter through the courts. Arbitration involves the parties presenting their areas of dispute to a neutral third-party who makes the decision for them based on the information presented. Topics of dispute can be as major as determining the division of the parties’ marital estate or simply establishing a vacation or holiday schedule in a custody matter.

It is important to:

• remember that the arbitrator does not represent either party and is simply rendering a decision based on the facts as presented.
• choose an experienced family law attorney to arbitrate your family law matter.

The arbitration process is typically more cost-effective and faster than seeking relief through the courts. Arbitration can be binding, where the parties agree to abide by the decision, or non-binding, where the parties merely use the decision as guidance and may still seek relief through the court. Arbitration can also be handled without the necessity of anyone appearing to argue the matter in person, if that is how the parties agree to proceed.