Family arbitration offers a constructive, confidential way to resolve financial and children-related disputes without the stress, delay or uncertainty of going to court. At Warners, our qualified financial arbitrator guides separating couples through the arbitration process with clarity, sensitivity and legal expertise. We can help you reach a fair, legally binding outcome whilst giving you greater control over timescales, costs and decision-making. With offices in Sevenoaks and Tonbridge, we provide trusted support to families across Kent who want a more efficient, dignified and solution-focused approach to resolving their issues.
Family arbitration is a private way of resolving family law disputes without going to court. It allows separating or divorcing couples to ask an independent, specially trained professional to make a decision about their dispute in a faster, more flexible, and confidential way.
It is increasingly used as an alternative to court proceedings for couples who want greater control over the process and a quicker resolution
Both parties agree to appoint an independent family arbitrator, who is usually an experienced family lawyer with specialist training in arbitration.
The process is flexible and can be tailored to the needs of the parties. It may involve written evidence only, a remote hearing, or an in-person meeting. Each party has the opportunity to present their case and provide relevant information.
Once the arbitrator has considered all the evidence and submissions, they make a decision known as an “award.” In most cases, this award is legally binding and can be approved by the court, giving it the same effect as a court order.
Arbitration in family law is used when separating couples want a quicker, more flexible alternative to court. It is suitable for disagreements over finances, property and other assets. Many clients choose arbitration family law services to reduce conflict and avoid long court delays.
Choosing family law arbitration offers significant advantages: considerably faster resolutions, full confidentiality, consistent decision-making, and the freedom to choose your arbitrator plus the time, date and location of the arbitration hearing. Compared with traditional court proceedings, family arbitration solicitors can help you achieve cost-effective outcomes with less stress, greater control over the process and far more flexibility than a court can offer.
The family law arbitration UK process involves appointing an accredited arbitrator, agreeing the scope of the dispute, presenting evidence, and receiving a binding decision. Guided by specialist family arbitration solicitors, the process mirrors court procedure but is tailored, efficient and designed to reach a final outcome far more quickly.
Arbitration in family law can be used for a wide range of issues including financial settlements, property division, maintenance, business interests, pensions, and most children-related disputes. A skilled family law arbitrator can resolve both financial and child arrangement matters with transparency and fairness, providing legally enforceable outcomes.
Warners’ accredited family law arbitrator provides expert, impartial guidance backed by experience in complex family disputes. As trusted family arbitration solicitors in Kent, we offer a bespoke, client-focused service that prioritises clarity, efficiency and robust legal protection, ensuring families receive fair, timely outcomes without the stress of court.
*This webpage is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Please note the law may have changed since this page was published. We do not accept responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the information on this page
Family law arbitration is a private dispute-resolution process where an accredited family law arbitrator makes a legally binding decision on financial or children matters. It is a recognised alternative to court under the family law arbitration UK framework.
Mediation helps couples negotiate their own agreement, while arbitration in family law results in a binding decision made by an arbitrator. Arbitration is more structured and will lead to a decision being made that is binding upon you.
Family law arbitration can cover most financial and children disputes, including:
Only a few areas (e.g. certain safeguarding matters) fall outside arbitration’s remit.
Yes, in the vast majority of cases the arbitrator’s decision is legally binding (there are some exceptions). In family arbitration, the arbitrator’s decision (known as an “award”) is intended to be final. In England and Wales, the court will usually approve the award and convert it into a court order, giving it the same legal effect as a judge’s decision.
Both parties can agree on a suitable, accredited arbitrator, often with guidance from their family law solicitors.
Arbitration is typically much faster than court proceedings. The timetable is arranged around the parties’ availability and their other commitments. Unfortunately, due to limited resources the courts are often very slow, typically with months between hearings. Arbitration in contrast can proceed swiftly, allowing disputes to be resolved in weeks rather than months.
Yes. Unlike court hearings, family law arbitration in the UK is entirely private. This gives separating couples a secure space to resolve issues discreetly.
