Origin Law Group’s Post

Pennsylvania is the seventh state to enact the Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act (UFLAA)! Thank you to Governor Shapiro, Representative Melissa Shusterman, and the Pennsylvania Bar Association! The ULC finalized the UFLAA in 2016. While arbitration has long been used in the commercial context, it has recently begun to gain popularity in the family law sphere. The Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act (UFLAA) creates a statutory scheme for the arbitration of family law disputes. Arbitration is a private process that parties may use to resolve a dispute rather than going to court. During an arbitration, a neutral third party, the arbitrator, hears arguments from the parties, evaluates evidence, and makes a decision on their dispute. Since family law disputes are different from traditional commercial disputes, however, the UFLAA contains some key provisions that do not appear in the Uniform Arbitration Act or Revised Uniform Arbitration Act. Many of these differences have to do with protecting vulnerable individuals during the arbitration process, such as children and victims of domestic violence. Importantly, the UFLAA requires close judicial review of arbitration awards determining child-related issues. While an award regarding property or spousal support is subject to limited judicial review, a child-related award may not be confirmed by a court unless the court finds that the award complies with applicable law and is in the best interests of the child. For more information on the UFLAA, visit: https://bit.ly/3WuAdnz Check out our webinar on the UFLAA: https://bit.ly/4ad3NRx

The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) has issued an Arbitration Resolution underscoring AAML’s commitment to advocating for legislation that addresses the unique needs of vulnerable family law participants. President J. Benjamin Stevens emphasizes that arbitration offers families a quicker, more cost-effective and flexible alternative to traditional litigation. He noted that it empowers families to resolve disputes with greater efficiency and privacy. AAML’s endorsement of the Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act highlights the organization’s dedication to ensuring that arbitration processes safeguard the rights of all parties involved. The resolution encourages states without family law-specific arbitration statutes to consider adopting the Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act. AAML urges states to align their legislation with established caselaw and procedures to provide families with fair and efficient avenues for resolving their legal matters. AAML calls upon the judiciary across the nation to support and encourage the use of arbitration in family law cases. "By embracing arbitration, we can expedite proceedings and minimize the emotional toll on families involved," added President Stevens. The AAML's endorsement of family law arbitration reflects its ongoing commitment to advancing the practice of family law and ensuring access to justice for all families. The full AAML resolution can be found here on the AAML website.

I have written a lot about settling cases (since that’s how over 95% of cases end) but I know you may be like other Rogue Family Law customers who are by an uncooperative spouse, co-parent or domestic partner. Chances are you’ll be in the majority of cases that settle out of court even if it doesn’t seem like your situation will end up in settlement now. That’s because even an unreasonable partner may see the light and decide to compromise to get some things to avoid losing it all by a judge who sees things differently. Adding to your frustration may be fear about what you don’t know about trials. As I often recommend, the best cure for this is to go to court and watch someone else’s trial so you can take some of the mystery out of it. Since trials are getting rarer and rarer, you may just want to spend a day watching weekly “motion calendars.” (Motions are like mini trials so you can get an idea of what to expect if you’re in a county with very few trials). But let's say you still think you'll need to go to trial in your case rather than mediation and settlement. If so, then you have four options available to you in Oregon. You probably know the word "trial" and likely also know what it means. But just to be sure, let’s define "trial" as the process used to decide legal cases when people can't agree. During a trial, both sides present their case to a judge, who listens to the facts and then decides your case. There are different kinds of trials in Oregon family cases: ➡️ Traditional trial with lawyers ➡️Traditional trial without lawyers ➡️Arbitration ➡️Informal trial At Rogue Family Law, we provide a Legal Orientation, a Going to Trial Workshop, and Legal Consulting which can help you prepare for an Informal Trial in Oregon. We also have our breakthrough Document Portal which helps you create legal documents the easy way, letting you create custom court documents by filling out a simple questionnaire. Contact us to learn more about your options. 💡 Understanding the type of trial you're facing helps you prepare better. Knowing the process can make it less overwhelming and increase your chances of a favorable outcome. And don’t forget to go to the courthouse and watch a few trials or hearings. The more familiar the process, the less intimidating it will be when it’s your turn. And when you're ready to get one-on-one and on-demand education and assistance with your case, contact us. We can't go to court with you, but we can make it so that you feel informed, supported, and empowered in your case. Apply today at RogueFamilyLaw.com to learn more.

I have written a lot about settling cases (since that’s how over 95% of cases end) but I know you may be like other Rogue Family Law customers who are by an uncooperative spouse, co-parent or domestic partner. Chances are you’ll be in the majority of cases that settle out of court even if it doesn’t seem like your situation will end up in settlement now. That’s because even an unreasonable partner may see the light and decide to compromise to get some things to avoid losing it all by a judge who sees things differently. Adding to your frustration may be fear about what you don’t know about trials. As I often recommend, the best cure for this is to go to court and watch someone else’s trial so you can take some of the mystery out of it. Since trials are getting rarer and rarer, you may just want to spend a day watching weekly “motion calendars.” (Motions are like mini trials so you can get an idea of what to expect if you’re in a county with very few trials). But let's say you still think you'll need to go to trial in your case rather than mediation and settlement. If so, then you have four options available to you in Oregon. You probably know the word "trial" and likely also know what it means. But just to be sure, let’s define "trial" as the process used to decide legal cases when people can't agree. During a trial, both sides present their case to a judge, who listens to the facts and then decides your case. There are different kinds of trials in Oregon family cases: ➡️ Traditional trial with lawyers ➡️Traditional trial without lawyers ➡️Arbitration ➡️Informal trial At Rogue Family Law, we provide a Legal Orientation, a Going to Trial Workshop, and Legal Consulting which can help you prepare for an Informal Trial in Oregon. We also have our breakthrough Document Portal which helps you create legal documents the easy way, letting you create custom court documents by filling out a simple questionnaire. Contact us to learn more about your options. 💡 Understanding the type of trial you're facing helps you prepare better. Knowing the process can make it less overwhelming and increase your chances of a favorable outcome. And don’t forget to go to the courthouse and watch a few trials or hearings. The more familiar the process, the less intimidating it will be when it’s your turn. And when you're ready to get one-on-one and on-demand education and assistance with your case, contact us. We can't go to court with you, but we can make it so that you feel informed, supported, and empowered in your case. Apply today at RogueFamilyLaw.com to learn more.

The Difficulties of Going To Court Applications concerning arrangements for who the children of a relationship should live with and how much time they should spend with each parent have soared. These applications have been further hampered by delays in the court process and a huge backlog of work. Senior family court members have expressed frustration about this, saying, “These cases should never have come to the court and can be settled by alternative means.” So, what alternatives are available to couples in dispute? The Harrington Family Law Approach First, mediation. This method of dispute resolution has been around for a few years. Agreements reached through mediation can be registered as orders from the court and work well if both parties cooperate and show willingness. There is a nationwide network of mediators in family disputes, and appointments are usually readily available, and settlements can be reached in a fraction of the time taken for court proceedings. Family litigation is expensive by nature. Even a relatively straightforward case can cost both parties thousands to resolve. With it sometimes taking up to four or six months to settle a case through the courts, alternatives are becoming more popular. Arbitration, for example, is where the parties pay privately for their court hearing or decision. A qualified arbitrator will consider the evidence either on paper or from the parties in evidence and give a decision. Both parties must sign an arbitration agreement and be bound by the arbitrator’s decision. The costs are met equally and far less than going through the courts. Arbitration can be used for both financial and child disputes. Some clients will consider a private “Financial Dispute Resolution” before a senior legal professional. The difference here is that the person leading the FDR is there to carry out the role of the judge as if the matter were before the court. It is up to the parties then to move towards an agreement and, if reached, draw up its terms. It will typically take three or four months from the issue of proceedings to reach an FDR before the court, and again, it will cost both parties between £5,000.00 and £7,500.00 each and sometimes more to reach this stage. However, suppose all parties agree and are satisfied that all the paperwork and financial disclosure are in order. In that case, this can be a quicker and more cost-effective means of reaching a decision. Value for money is as much a concern as a fair settlement and good advice for clients, and we must consider the best way to deliver it. The best way to determine the most appropriate and effective course of action for your situation is to call us today at Harrington Family Law on 01484 810210 or enquire via the link below for friendly, caring, expert advice on achieving the very best settlement that you and your family can afford.

10 Factors to Consider When Hiring a Family Law Solicitor When it comes to navigating legal matters within the realm of family law, finding the right solicitor can make all the difference. Pannu Lawyers, with their expertise in family law matters, emphasises the importance of considering various factors before making a decision. Here are 10 crucial factors to contemplate when hiring a family law solicitor: Continue:

10 Factors to Consider When Hiring a Family Law Solicitor When it comes to navigating legal matters within the realm of family law, finding the right solicitor can make all the difference. Pannu Lawyers, with their expertise in family law matters, emphasises the importance of considering various factors before making a decision. Here are 10 crucial factors to contemplate when hiring a family law solicitor: Continue:

🔍 Considering Arbitration in Family Law? Discover a practical alternative to the court process through family law arbitration, explored by Matthew Lockey, solicitor at Richard Reed Solicitors. In his latest blog, Matthew explains how arbitration could offer a faster and more flexible approach to settling family disputes, particularly for financial and child arrangements. With benefits like reduced court delays and shared costs, this method may provide the resolution you’re looking for. Read more about arbitration and if it could work for you 👉 https://lnkd.in/eEjhmGZr #FamilyLaw #Arbitration #LegalHelp #RichardReedSolicitors

Non-court dispute resolution (NCDR); now an essential consideration in Family Law cases. Yesterday, revisions to the Family Procedure Rules (FPR), which governs the the procedures used in family courts in England and Wales, came into effect. These amendments improve and expand on the approach of NCDR in Family Law cases. In my opinion this is a welcome change to encourage parties to seek alternative solutions away from the court - it allows for cost and time effective resolution as well a reducing the emotional stress and burden on parties and their families. From 29 April 2024 the definition of ‘non-court dispute resolution’ at FPR 2.3(1)(b) has been expanded to mean: “methods of resolving a dispute other than through the court process, including but not limited to mediation, arbitration, evaluation by a neutral third party (such as a private Financial Dispute Resolution process) and collaborative law.” And to take the full and proper consideration of NCDR further, there is now the introduction of a new court form where parties will be required to express their views on using NCDR and, if necessary, outline why NCDR was not an appropriate way of reaching resolution in a case. Furthermore, courts will now be able to compel parties to attempt NCDR where appropriate and there is potential financial consequences for non-compliance. It will be interesting to see how these changes impact on cases and the practise of Family Lawyers, as well as the necessary reduction of the burden on the court system. The introduction of MIAMs ten years ago was the first attempt to encourage parties to reach agreements outside of the family court system. It would seem to me that the latest changes, which take this approach several steps further, especially with the possible cost implications for clients, will help to focus parties' minds when it comes to reaching settlement and resolution. I am looking forward to attending a "Family Law Debate on mediation" on 16th May, hosted by 3PB Barristers, to hear motions for and against the requirement to attempt mediation to resolve family issues from experienced practitioners in NCDR areas. This is certainly a part of Family Law that is evolving, and it will be interesting to see how clients, lawyers and the Court approach the recent changes when it comes to advising and settling.

We've written a lot about settling cases (since that’s how over 95% of cases end) but I know you may be like other Rogue Family Law customers who are by an uncooperative spouse, co-parent or domestic partner. Chances are you’ll be in the majority of cases that settle out of court even if it doesn’t seem like your situation will end up in settlement now. That’s because even an unreasonable partner may see the light and decide to compromise to get some things to avoid losing it all by a judge who sees things differently. Adding to your frustration may be fear about what you don’t know about trials. As I often recommend, the best cure for this is to go to court and watch someone else’s trial so you can take some of the mystery out of it. Since trials are getting rarer and rarer, you may just want to spend a day watching weekly “motion calendars.” (Motions are like mini trials so you can get an idea of what to expect if you’re in a county with very few trials). But let's say you still think you'll need to go to trial in your case rather than mediation and settlement. If so, then you have four options available to you in Oregon. You probably know the word "trial" and likely also know what it means. But just to be sure, let’s define "trial" as the process used to decide legal cases when people can't agree. During a trial, both sides present their case to a judge, who listens to the facts and then decides your case. There are different kinds of trials in Oregon family cases: ➡️ Traditional trial with lawyers ➡️Traditional trial without lawyers ➡️Arbitration ➡️Informal trial At Rogue Family Law, we provide a Legal Orientation, a Going to Trial Workshop, and Legal Consulting which can help you prepare for an Informal Trial in Oregon. We also have our breakthrough Document Portal which helps you create legal documents the easy way, letting you create custom court documents by filling out a simple questionnaire. Contact us to learn more about your options. 💡 Understanding the type of trial you're facing helps you prepare better. Knowing the process can make it less overwhelming and increase your chances of a favorable outcome. And don’t forget to go to the courthouse and watch a few trials or hearings. The more familiar the process, the less intimidating it will be when it’s your turn. And when you're ready to get one-on-one and on-demand education and assistance with your case, contact us. We can't go to court with you, but we can make it so that you feel informed, supported, and empowered in your case. Apply today at RogueFamilyLaw.com to learn more.