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We are often asked to help when, following separation, a married couple have agreed how their finances are to be dealt with and they want to make these arrangements final so that neither can change their minds.

This is a very good idea as, without a court order, financial claims can be made at any time after the first divorce order, Decree Nisi. These claims do not end on the making of the final divorce order, Decree Absolute.

When couples can’t agree how to resolve issues on separation/divorce, most people immediately think they have to apply to the Court.

But, even before the Covid-19 pandemic, the Family Court process was becoming slower and more frustrating for many people. Now there are staff shortages as well as a backlog of cases that are not suitable for remote hearings, using the Court to resolve issues could take over a year (if you are lucky).

So should you consider Family Arbitration?

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions answered by our specialist family lawyer, Barbara Richardson.