Who Can Serve as an Arbitrator In a B.C Divorce?
May 20, 2016 by West Coast ADR
In many family law cases, the parties decide to have an arbitrator settle their dispute out of court. The arbitrator will hear both sides of the issue and make a decision for you.
In some cases, negotiation or mediation might be used in addition to arbitration. The parties do have the freedom to determine exactly how to have the arbitration process set up. The rules, though, must be agreed to in writing by everyone before the process can begin.
The Family Law Act guides arbitrators and whatever decision the arbitrator makes must be consistent with that law. There are several standards that must be met by the arbitrators when it comes to training and practice. The Family Law Act also states what those standards are.
The arbitrator must:
— Be a social worker, psychologist or lawyer.
— Have 10 years’ experience in a field relating to family or family law.
— Have completed training in a multitude of topics, including arbitration, skills development, family law, family violence and decision-making.
It is recommended that you inquire as to an arbitrator’s training before starting the process. Social workers or psychologists can only be arbitrators for issues related to children or child support.
While arbitration is not the right choice for everyone, it can result in a significant amount of time and money savings. You can learn more by contacting the British Columbia Arbitration and Mediation Institute. Because family law encompasses so many areas of the law, having someone to hear your case who is experienced is very important. He or she will be making decisions that will affect your family for years to come.
In many family law cases, the parties decide to have an arbitrator settle their dispute out of court. The arbitrator will hear both sides of the issue and make a decision for you.
In some cases, negotiation or mediation might be used in addition to arbitration. The parties do have the freedom to determine exactly how to have the arbitration process set up. The rules, though, must be agreed to in writing by everyone before the process can begin.
The Family Law Act guides arbitrators and whatever decision the arbitrator makes must be consistent with that law. There are several standards that must be met by the arbitrators when it comes to training and practice. The Family Law Act also states what those standards are.
The arbitrator must:
— Be a social worker, psychologist or lawyer.
— Have 10 years’ experience in a field relating to family or family law.
— Have completed training in a multitude of topics, including arbitration, skills development, family law, family violence and decision-making.
It is recommended that you inquire as to an arbitrator’s training before starting the process. Social workers or psychologists can only be arbitrators for issues related to children or child support.
While arbitration is not the right choice for everyone, it can result in a significant amount of time and money savings. You can learn more by contacting the British Columbia Arbitration and Mediation Institute. Because family law encompasses so many areas of the law, having someone to hear your case who is experienced is very important. He or she will be making decisions that will affect your family for years to come.