How to Qualify

What is the aim of the module?

To provide an understanding of the elements of Family Arbitration and to promote the use of Arbitration to resolve disputes on financial and property matters arising from marriage breakdown. The course will give candidates an understanding of the principles, procedure and practice involved in Family Arbitration.

What is covered within the syllabus?

• An  introduction to the Arbitration Act 1996 and the Family Law Arbitration Scheme
• Managing a Family Arbitration effectively
• The Scheme Rules
• The advantages and disadvantages of Family Arbitration compared with other processes
• The Powers of the Tribunal
• The Award in Family Arbitrations – drafting and enforcement
• Costs and Interest
• Remuneration of the  Tribunal

How is the course delivered?

The course is delivered over 2 days over a weekend, starting at 17.00 on the Friday and ending at 16.00 on the Sunday.

How will I be assessed?

Successful completion of the course requires a combination of attendance at and participation in all sessions (the latter being informally and continuously assessed), together with the completion of an Award based on a family law case study within one week of the close of the course.

What are the entry requirements?

The course is intended for candidates who:

1. are either a solicitor, barrister, Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives, part time or retired judge or part time or retired tribunal chairperson;
2. solicitors, barristers or FILEX who are not part time or retired judges or tribunal chairpersons will need to provide two referees (who can be judges, tribunal chairpersons or Queens Counsel) who can certify they meet certain competencies;
3. support the Resolution Code of Practice;
4. have at least 7 years post qualification experience;
5. have spent a minimum of 550 hours per annum carrying out family law case work relevant to the scheme during each of the 7 years immediately preceding his or her application. If an applicant has spent a minimum of 550 hours per annum carrying out family law casework for 7 years but those 7 years were not immediately preceding his or her application the applicant must provide evidence of up to date knowledge of family law.

An applicant who is unable to satisfy the experience criterion set out at 5. above due to parental leave, illness or other extenuating circumstances may seek an exemption at the Family Law Arbitration Group Committee’s discretion.

What is the course fee and what does it include?

The course fee is £1650 + VAT.  The fee includes registration on the course, the first attempt at the Award writing exercise, study materials, lunch and refreshments throughout the day and dinner on the second evening of the course.  It does not include overnight accommodation.

What happens when I register for the course?

Upon successful registration, candidates will receive confirmation they are booked on the course. Approximately 3 weeks before the course starts pre course materials will be sent out.

What is the CIArb’s policy on ‘cancellation of courses’?

CIArb reserves the right to cancel or change the date, venue or content of programmes and the names of speakers, lecturers and tutors.  Candidates will be provided with adequate notice of any change.  If the Institute has to cancel a course, candidates will be provided with a full refund or the opportunity to transfer their registration to the next course.

Should a candidate wish to cancel their registration of a course, notification must be received in writing to education@ciarb.org.  Cancellation charges apply.

What is my next step when I complete the course?

On successful completion of this course, candidates will be eligible to apply for Membership of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

To be admitted as a Member of CIArb they will need to apply for membership and meet CIArb’s membership requirements.