Podcast Episode 4: Family Law Arbitration Demystified – with James Roberts KC

When family disputes arise, court is no longer the only route to a decision. In this episode, Alex speaks to leading barrister James Roberts KC (chair of the Family Law Bar Association and founding architect of the UK’s family‑law arbitration scheme) to explore how arbitration delivers faster, more flexible and private resolutions for financial and children matters. James discusses the scheme’s journey from its 2012 launch to today’s rapid growth. He explains how parties hand‑pick their own “judge”, and shares real‑life examples where disputes were wrapped up in weeks rather than years.

You’ll learn the step‑by‑step process, costs, common misconceptions, and how recent rule changes are steering families toward non‑court dispute resolution. Whether you’re a practitioner or someone facing a family breakdown, this conversation shows why arbitration may be the smartest path to closure—and how to get started.

Key takeaways (bullet list for quick‑scan)

• Hand‑pick your decision‑maker, choose from ~200 accredited family arbitrators.
• Time is money! Hearings can be arranged in weeks, not the 12‑ to 18‑month court slog.
• Private & confidential. No reporters, no public judgments, minimal grounds for appeal.
• Flexible scope: arbitrate a single issue (e.g., interim maintenance) or the whole case.
• Cost‑effective overall: one cancelled court date often costs more than an entire arbitration.
• Regulatory tailwind: April 2024 rule change requires parties to justify not using ADR.
• Funding exists: Level and similar lenders will finance arbitration costs from day one.