Rebecca is an accredited specialist family law arbitrator of family law property disputes. She accepts matters on a private basis and as a Legal Aid Queensland preferred supplier. Rebecca is also an experienced arbitrator in sporting disputes on a private basis and as a Member of the National Sports Tribunal, Football Australia Dispute Resolution Chamber and Volleyball Australia tribunal.

What is arbitration?
Arbitration is a process (other than a Court process) in which parties to a dispute present arguments and evidence to an impartial independent and trainer person called an arbitrator who then makes a determination (decision) to resolve the dispute. The parties can represent themselves or be represented by a legal adviser.

The main difference between arbitration and mediation is that the arbitrator is the impartial independent decision maker of a binding resolution and in mediation, the mediator is an impartial independent facilitator of negotiations, assisting the parties to generate options and lead to an agreement between the parties. In some respects, arbitration is more similar to the court process but has advantages compared to court proceedings.

What matters can be arbitrated?
In sports disputes, any matters can be arbitrated as long as the parties all agree to the process. In family law matters, the parties must agree to the process and issues are limited to financial matters such as property settlement, spousal maintenance and Financial Agreements. Parenting matters cannot be arbitrated.

The advantages of arbitration:

  • Control of the process: The arbitration process is an informal process which can be designed to meet the needs of the individual parties and their issues.
  • Cost: The cost of an arbitration is likely to be significantly less than the Court process.
  • Time efficient: The process can be finalised within a relatively quick period of time subject to the required preparation of the parties unlike the Court process which may take some several years for finalisation of the matter if the matter proceeds to a trial.
  • Convenience: The arbitration can be held at a time and place and in accordance with a timetable suited to the parties.
  • Choice of decision maker: The parties are able to choose their arbitrator.

 

Contact Rebecca to enquire about her availability and fees. Mediations and Arbitrations can be held in person at Rebecca’s rooms on the Gold Coast or Brisbane or online. Rebecca is also available to travel throughout Queensland and interstate.