Many divorcing couples try to solve their issues through litigation, but you don’t have to go to court to solve every conflict. Alternatives like divorce arbitration could end up being a better option for you, especially if you want the proceedings to be confidential. Our Morris County, NJ divorce lawyers can tell you more about this dispute resolution method and help you figure out if it’s the right way to solve some of the disputes in your divorce.
Does Divorce Arbitration Keep Records?
Divorce arbitration is similar to litigation, but it’s done on a condensed schedule. You can also decide whether or not it should be confidential before you choose to move forward. This means no court records.
If you settle your disputes in court, records get created. Sometimes they can be sealed, but it’s more likely that they will remain available to anyone who knows how to request them. For some people, this is not a big deal. If you’re someone who does not want to have their dirty laundry aired to the public, then you may not be okay with this.
That’s when you can choose divorce arbitration instead. It can be used to solve a variety of conflicts, including arguments over alimony or child visitation. It also offers a few other benefits along with confidentiality.
Are There Other Good Reasons to Choose Divorce Arbitration?
There are some other reasons why a couple would choose divorce arbitration. Some of the primary benefits include:
Not waiting on a judge: If you go to court, you need a judge. A family court judge has a busy schedule, so there’s no guarantee that you’ll get to appear in front of them anytime soon. Arbitration takes less time to schedule and set up.
Speed: Because this functions a lot like a sped-up, stripped-down version of litigation, it takes less time to settle issues in these sessions than it would in court.
Cost: Since this takes less time than litigation, it’s also likely to cost you less money.
Can I Appeal an Arbitration Decision?
That depends. When you decide to move forward with divorce arbitration, you can make the proceedings confidential. You can also decide whether the arbitrator’s decision will be binding or non-binding.
If it’s non-binding, then an appeal is possible. If it’s binding, you have to stick with their decision. This may seem risky, but it’s designed to keep someone from dragging things out. One party cannot just keep asking for appeals and trying to get a better outcome.
Talk to an Attorney Today
If you would like to learn more about divorce arbitration and how our lawyers can help you reach an agreement with your spouse, contact Townsend, Tomaio & Newmark. We can schedule a consultation and tell you more about how different methods of dispute resolution can better suit different couples and situations.