Certified Pittsburgh Divorce Arbitration Attorneys

Arbitration is a method in divorce often used by estranged couples seeking a more confidential, swift and sophisticated option to resolve their Pittsburgh divorce without litigation and out of the general court system.

How can I pick the ‘judge’ for my divorce?

Being able to preselect your “judge” for your divorce proceedings means you can actually choose an arbitrator who is trained in family law issues and who has significant experience in your type of situation versus entering the court system and waiting for a judge to be assigned.

In arbitration, parties hire a lawyer who has been trained as an arbitrator to hear their case in an attempt to assist them in resolving all or some of their issues. Attorneys prepare for their cases and present evidence to the arbitrator. The arbitrator then writes a decision explaining his or her application of the law against the facts of that particular case. Parties have the option to appeal, but and typically waive this right.

How does arbitration differ from divorce litigation?

Unlike traditional divorce litigation, matrimonial arbitration is conducted in private, between the spouses, their attorneys and the arbitrator. At the outset, the parties establish the rules and procedures for conducting the arbitration. The arbitrator will set deadlines for completing each stage of the process, from discovery to the final award. The arbitrator may serve as a referee when the parties exchange documents and information during the discovery process. Next, the parties will determine areas of agreement and articulate their positions on issues for which they do not agree. Finally, through a series of formal or informal hearings, the parties and their lawyers will present evidence for the arbitrator to consider. The arbitrator will then make the final decisions, applying years of family law experience and professional judgment that many judges simply do not have.

Why would arbitration benefit me in my divorce?

Arbitration is ideal for cases that are complex due to business issues, tracing issues, or are unusual or voluminous legal or factual matters. The arbitrator usually conducts the hearings in a conference room or other site agreed by the parties and has the ability — unlike a judge — to schedule consecutive days of trial in a row if the case warrants.

To learn more about the arbitration method in divorce, contact Brian Vertz or call our office. Brian completed an intensive arbitration training offered by the prestigious American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers in Chicago where he was a participant with fellow AAML members from around the country. At Pollock Begg we are pleased be able to offer Brian’s AAML-certified arbitration services.

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