Two family law experts from Bath have become the first in the city to qualify as family arbitrators.
John Brownrigg and Jon Toogood, partners at Bath law firms Stone King and Withy King respectively, will become members of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and two of a select band of 75 family arbitrators nationwide.
Arbitration is another way of resolving matrimonial disputes without involving the courts. An arbitrator will hear from both sides and decide how best to resolve the issues under dispute. One of the most commonly disputed areas is how to apportion finances and property when a marriage breaks down.
The arbitrator’s judgment is normally final and legally binding.
“There are a number of advantages of arbitration,” said John Brownrigg, pictured below. “The parties can control the process by choosing their decision-maker and structuring procedures to suit their needs. Arbitration tends to be a quicker and more efficient way of dealing with acrimonious marital breakdowns and it gives parties the reassurance that the outcome will remain confidential.”
Jon Toogood, pictured right, added: “Arbitration is extremely helpful to many couples and often provides a compelling alternative to lengthy and expensive litigation.
“We look forward to working with other family solicitors in Bath and further afield who have clients they feel could benefit from arbitration. It’s a relatively new, but highly-effective form of dispute resolution and we believe it has a bright future.”
