As delays within the family court system increase, what is the alternative?
Court is sometimes necessary to resolve a dispute fairly and lawfully, but is it essential for all? Are there alternative family dispute resolution methods, and do they work?
With the advent of the second lockdown has come concern that backlogs to the court system will increase further, a system which was already under strain prior to the pandemic.
The Law Gazette stated on the first of the month in this article that: “HM Courts & Tribunals Service will be keen to avoid any substantial delays from the forthcoming lockdown, given that the backlog of cases has already increased significantly in the past six months”.
So… are delays really inevitable? Is there an alternative to court which will get you to a resolution which is lawful, binding, professional, respectful, efficient and makes economic sense?
We believe that there are alternatives and that these should primarily be all about you, suited to what you need and want and tailored to match your needs. Family courts are essential in some instances and can be fantastic at resolving disputes fairly and lawfully. But there are alternative dispute resolution processes, which may suit you better. These include family mediation, family arbitration, the collaborative process, financial dispute resolutions (FDRs) and lawyer negotiations are all different ways of coming to an arrangement on children or finances.
So, all in all, the family court route may be advisable, but it is not the ‘be all and end all.’ Your options can extend further if you are looking for a divorce, separation, or seeking help coming to agreement on child arrangements or finances. Professional advice and guidance can help you think through your options and decide which process or combination of processes would be most suitable.