Advice

Arbitration

In March 2001 the Family Law Act was amended so that it is now possible to have arbitration of property disputes, Denis Farrar, a Director of this firm and Chris Crowley, the firm’s Senior Consultant are the only two arbitrators in Canberra qualified to undertake family law arbitration and are registered arbitrators under the Family Law Act. Denis has conducted a great many property settlement disputes in the Courts over his professional life. He has lectured on family law topics, both to the public, other lawyers and other professionals.

The advantages of arbitration are numerous and include:

• A cost effective way of resolving disputes. The type of hearing can be flexible to suit the needs of the parties. Arbitrations on the papers can be done if the parties agree thereby avoiding the cost of a face-to-face hearing.
• Hearings can occur to suit the needs of the parties, for example on evenings or weekends.
• Arbitration hearings can occur without delay.
• The strict rules of evidence need not apply.
• There are less formalities.