Family arbitration scheme unveiled

A new body which aims to resolve family disputes relating to finance or property outside court has been launched by a group of legal associations.

The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), family lawyers’ group Resolution and the Family Law Bar Association, in association with the Centre for Child and Family Law Reform, have joined forces to create the not-for-profit Institute of Family Law Arbitrators (IFLA).

Family lawyers who have been trained as arbitrators will act as a panel in the scheme, which was put forward amid fears over Government cuts to legal aid. Officials from CIArb will provide arbitration training for the lawyers involved and people taking part in the proceedings will also be able to appoint their own arbitrator if they wish to do so.

Former Lord Chancellor Lord Falconer of Thoroton will chair the organisation, which is to be formally launched on March 26. Lord Falconer said the IFLA was the “logical next step” in resolving family disputes.

Our Family and Matrimonial team helps families across West London and Bucks. For advice, contact a member of the team, call us on 03456 381381 or email familylaw@ibblaw.co.uk.