In July 2016 The Institute of Family Law Arbitrators (IFLA) launched the Family Law Arbitration Children Scheme (‘the Children Scheme’) designed to assist separating families in making the best decisions for their children.
Fortunately, most parents can agree on suitable child arrangements in the event of separation, but for those who are unable to do so, the new arbitration scheme offers an alternative to the Court process.
Usually, parents cannot agree on things such as where the child should live, the frequency and periods of contact between parents, and financial support arrangements, but there can often be much more serious decisions which parents disagree upon, including medical procedures & religious preferences.
The new arbitration scheme offers a tailor made and flexible alternative to the traditional court process, and parents using the scheme are required to sign a binding agreement to arbitrate.
The essential feature of the arbitration is that the outcome is best for the child(ren), and the arbitrators decision can then be made into a Court Order if necessary.
More information about the scheme can be found at http://www.ifla.org.uk