Arbitration
Arbitration in family law cases are alternatives to the Trial Court process and may better meet the needs of parties in some cases. The parties select a private arbitrator to make decisions regarding all or some of the issues in their case. The decision made by the arbitrator may, depending on the agreement of the parties, have the same force and weight as that of a trial court judge. The parties may also select the arbitrator to conduct a private settlement conference.
The trial, hearing or settlement conference can be set at the convenience of the parties and their attorneys. This is a financial benefit as well as a scheduling one since attorneys sometimes prepare at length for a Trial Court case only to have to come back months later because of a continuance. Short hearings, emergency orders and discovery matters can be handled quickly and informally, saving worry and money.
Many of our Members have extensive experience serving as family law arbitrators. You may want to discuss with your attorney the possibility of electing to have your case proceed before an arbitrator.
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