We recognise that there is always more than one way to solve a problem. If going to court is not the best or most practical way to resolve your dispute, our Family Team can offer several options through alternative dispute resolution (ADR).
How Can We Help You?
Mediation
Mediation aims to help couples find a solution that meets the needs of the whole family and feels fair to them without the need to go to court. It is a voluntary process which works by arranging a series of confidential meetings between you and your partner, where the mediator provides support and assistance for your discussions.
We can offer the services of two family mediators, who are neutral, impartial and bring together a wide range of legal and psychological skills. Our mediators have over 40 years’ combined experience in helping families during relationship breakdowns.
Arbitration
Arbitration is the process of resolving family law issues by independent, binding adjudication. Instead of the decision-maker being a judge at court, a qualified arbitrator will listen to the facts of your dispute and come to a decision which is then ratified by the court. The benefits of this are that you and your partner can choose the arbitrator, the date and the place of the hearing, which can considerably reduce delay.
Our Family Team includes Zen Thompson, a qualified children law arbitrator. He has been specially trained to adjudicate on cases involving children issues, which can include issues including how much time a child spends with each parent, decisions on holidays and choice of school. Zen is a member of the Institute of Family Law Arbitrators.
Collaborative Family Law
Collaborative law aims to resolve issues by face-to-face meetings without the threat of court proceedings and lengthy correspondence. These meetings enable you and your partner to discuss your issues in the presence of your solicitors, with the aim of coming up with legally binding agreements.
We are able to offer a great depth of experience in this area as three of our Family Team have been specially trained in collaborative law. Only experienced family lawyers who have had this training are able to offer this service.
