Collaborative law is a process that encourages the parties to work together on settling their matrimonial issues, rather than using the courts. Collaborative Law originated in America and has been brought to the UK through the organisation Resolution.
Dawn Harrison, Daniel Bennett, Jonathan Miller and Emma Palmer are all trained and experienced collaborative lawyers.
Arbitration is another alternative to the Court process which allows couples to sign up to an agreement that they will both go to arbitration and be bound by the decision of the arbitrator. This is like agreeing to have your case decided by an independent trial Judge for a day or two days, if that is how long the case lasts. An arbitration hearing can be organised quickly and can give a quick resolution particularly bearing in mind the delays in the Court system.
More information is available by going on to the arbitration website which is www.ifla.org.uk. A decision made at arbitration is now binding as set out in the case of S –v– S [2014]) which established that, in the absence of very compelling countervailing factors, the arbitral award would be determinative of the Order that the Court made i.e. would be upheld.
Our family team are highly experienced and can offer expert advice on all areas relating to mediation, arbitration and collaborative law. Contact one of our offices in Kent to speak with a member of our friendly team – we have offices in Canterbury, Maidstone and Tenterden.
