A shorter path through separation
Private family law arbitration
Separation is hard enough. Finalise your property or maintenance dispute in private, with a binding decision.
Arbitration: fast, flexible, final. Robin Colesmith · Family Law Arbitrator. A private, binding path for property and financial disputes in Australian family law. Court: the full case management pathway. Arbitration: five steps.
Arbitration is a process in which separating parties agree to have their property or financial dispute decided by an arbitrator they choose, rather than by a judge on the court’s timetable.
Fast, Flexible, Final
Fast
A hearing within months rather than years, and a written award delivered within weeks.
Flexible
A process shaped to each matter. The parties choose the timetable, the format and how the evidence is heard, with the same law the courts apply.
Final
The matter concludes with a written award, registered with the court and enforceable as a court order.
Five steps to a binding decision
Timetabled from the outset to conclude within six months of appointment, unless the parties agree otherwise.
- 1Agree to arbitrate
- 2Preliminary conference
- 3Preparation and evidence
- 4Arbitration hearing
- 5Award and registration