It is important to explore all of your options when you are going through a divorce. Depending on your specific circumstances, you may believe that litigation is your only choice. Fortunately, there are alternative options available that allow you the same formality and finality without some of the drawbacks.
Arbitration is one option that couples may use if they reach a stalemate in the divorce negotiation process. Instead of handling the procedure inside of a courtroom, couples that choose arbitration attend a special hearing. An arbitrator oversees this hearing instead of a judge, but the decisions are binding such is the case with a traditional divorce procedure. This allows couples special advantages that would otherwise not be available in the courtroom.
Choose your own arbitrator
One of the benefits of choosing divorce arbitration is the ability to decide on your own arbitrator. You and your spouse have the opportunity to agree on a person to arbitrate the negotiation instead of requesting that a judge to review your situation. This allows you to choose someone that is both a talented arbitrator as well as impartial to your situation. The arbitrator will listen to all of the information presented and ultimately make a binding determination.
Outcome is confidential
Handling a divorce inside a courtroom is not for everyone. This is largely because many people do not want to make their personal information publicly available. Once you enter the courtroom, everything you say becomes public record. This could make it more difficult to find a job in the future or may simply be embarrassing. Since arbitration involves a private hearing, you will not have to worry about anything from your divorce becoming public knowledge and coming back to haunt you in the future.
Flexible scheduling
A traditional divorce involves scheduling your courtroom hearing in accordance with the availability of a judge. This can be a major inconvenience to everyone involved especially if you have a different work schedule than your spouse. In a divorce arbitration, you will have the option to schedule your hearing at a time that is beneficial to all parties. This can in turn speed up the process and allow for a quicker result than you would receive in the courtroom.