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Divorce arbitration solicitors

For couples struggling to reach an agreement, arbitration is a useful and effective way to avoid time-consuming and expensive court battles. 

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Like a judge in court, a family arbitrator will ensure that relevant facts and evidence are collected and make a final and binding decision based on this information. 

The difference is that you and your ex-partner can appoint an arbitrator of your choice, select the issues that need to be resolved,  and have control over when and where the hearing takes place. 

It can help couples agree on issues including child maintenance, division of assets, property issues following cohabitation, child arrangements – where they live, what time they spent with each parent and their upbringing. 

At Stowe, we have a nationwide network of professionals who can support you in this area.

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Key Divorce Arbitration Solicitors

What is divorce arbitration?

Divorce arbitration is a process by which both parties hire a legal expert as a third party, who will decide their case outside of the UK court system, in a manner which provides the best outcome for both.

What happens at divorce arbitration?

Arbitration is similar to a court hearing but is heard in private, and you have more control over the process. You and your ex-spouse or your respective legal representatives will negotiate in front of the arbitrator who will officiate the discussion. When you have reached an agreement, it will be drafted into a ‘binding decision’, meaning you must legally comply with the demands made.

Should I take my divorce to arbitration?

Arbitration is usually a much quicker and more efficiant process, generally resulting in lower overall costs for the parties. If you are struggling to reach an agreement on issues relating to divorce and separation but want to avoid the court process, arbitration may be the right process for you.

Our other out of court divorce services

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collaborative family law meeting

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Advantages of arbitration over court

  • It’s much quicker (not waiting for court dates) 
  • It is more cost-effective (although Arbitrator fees will be payable)
  • More flexible – you can choose the venue, dates and times of the meetings – not dictated by the court process. 
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  • You can choose the family arbitrator. 
  • You can decide what issues you need the arbitrator to help with. 
  • The same arbitrator will deal with your matters from beginning to end, ensuring consistency. 
  • The Arbitration Award is binding on both parties in the same way as a Court Order
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The divorce process

Application

One or both spouses submit a divorce application to the court using the HMCTS Portal, citing irretrievable breakdown of the marriage without assigning blame.
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20-week reflection period

After the application is filed, and your former spouse has responded to the petition, a mandatory 20-week reflection period begins. During this time, spouses may also exchange financial information using Form E and address any necessary child arrangements, including including the time your children spend with you both.

Conditional order

After the reflection period, the applicant(s) apply for a Conditional order (previously known as Decree Nisi). The court reviews the case and, if satisfied, grants the order.
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6-week waiting period

Following the Conditional order, there is a mandatory 6-week waiting period before the final step can be taken.

Final order

After the 6-week waiting period, the applicant(s) may apply for the Final Order (previously known as Decree Absolute), officially ending the marriage.
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Average 9-12 months

If more than 12 months have elapsed between obtaining your conditional order and applying for your final order, you will have to submit a short statement to support your application, explaining the delay.

Meet our out of court divorce solicitors
Rebecca
Calden-Storr
Managing Partner, Birmingham and West Midlands
Angela
Sussens
Partner, Leeds
Ethan
Connor
Partner, Birmingham
Siobhan
Vegh
Partner, London
Faye
Wright
Senior Associate, Stony Stratford
Heidi
Susan Fleming
Senior Associate, Leeds
 
Hollie
Murray
Senior Associate, Newcastle, North Shields & Middlesbrough
Natalie
Nero
Senior Associate, St Albans
Rachel
Joyce
Senior Associate, Beverley
Rachel
Lander
Senior Associate, Stony Stratford
James
Leach
Associate, Guildford
Rebecca
Sutton
Solicitor, London
Meet our team

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Why choose Stowe Family Law?

  • As the only national law firm fully dedicated to family matters, our expert team offers professional advice so you can make a fully informed decision about your divorce.

  • We are proud to be rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot. Check out our reviews to see what our previous clients have said about our service.

  • We feature in The Legal 500 rankings and are fully authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

  • We keep you informed. Take a look at our support section, which features a range of helpful guides, focusing on important topics including finances and mediation.

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Rebecca Calden-Storr has impressed me as a meticulous and thorough practitioner who adopts a methodical and forensic approach to her cases. She is very good with handling (sometimes difficult) client’s expectations whilst always making them feel totally supported during one of the most stressful periods of their lives. She is sensible and always … Read moreprepared to reach (and actively seeks to find) a fair out of court settlement when possible. If not, then she is more than capable of representing a client’s interests robustly in court.
I spoke to Daniela and she was very knowledgeable and helpful. She simplified the process and covered all angles to ensure the legals behind this were understood.
When my 22 year relationship, 10 years married, ended I felt lost. I knew my focus had to be on my son and do the best for his emotional well-being. I forgot that I needed to focus on my well-being too. A good friend recommended Nichole as the person to best guide me through the difficult and destabilising journey of divorce and co-parenting. It is… Read more a decision I am glad I made, as her guidance and support has held me, and invariably my son, in good stead. I think it is fair to say, she is simply the best! - Karen, London
I met with Samantha Edwards and I was instantly put at ease. She was super friendly and as the meeting progressed i was very impressed with how professional, knowledgeable, and personable she was. I’ve never had to meet with a solicitor before so Samantha really did put my mind at ease with what to expect moving forward with my divorce and I real… Read morely felt like she has my best interest at heart and will do all she can to represent me in the best way possible. Divorce is not something I wanted, but now I am in this position I feel more confident with Samantha as my solicitor.
Daniela was extremely kind and considerate and has made a huge difference in our situation. I cannot thank her enough for her service.
Helen and Emily have both been brilliant throughout, I’ve hugely appreciated all your advice and support - and although I hope I never need your professional help again, I would choose Stowe every time!
Helen Miller is a credit to the Stowe Family Law Team! She continually supported me throughout a litigious private child law matter, in which I acquired everything I wanted from the Court, and much more. The shared care arrangements that are now in place are testament to Helen. I would have no hesitation in recommending Helen to anyone that finds t… Read morehemselves in a family dispute. I write this as a very very satisfied customer, and Lawyer... Stowe Family Law are very lucky to have such a wonderful Lawyer working for them.
Stowe have been professional and supportive throughout. Sarah has always taken the time to explain the process clearly to me and I have always felt that she was there to support me, and my wishes, giving me confidence at a difficult time. In particular Sarah has shone in comparison to the other parties' solicitor who has at times been incompetent a… Read morend unprofessional, in complete contrast to her own service. Thank you.
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Liza is the Managing Partner for our South Coast and Central team, overseeing the Winchester, Southampton, and other regional offices. She is experienced in divorce, financial matters, and legal issues involving children.

Date last reviewed: 23/04/2025

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