Vanessa qualifies as Children Issues Arbitrator

Associate Solicitor Vanessa Priddis of The Family Law Company in Exeter has qualified as a Children Issues Arbitrator within the Family Law Children Arbitration Scheme.

This means she can help separating couples to resolve issues involving children without them having to go to court.

Vanessa said: “The experience of going to court can put intense pressure on couples already going through a stressful time; even the thought of it can cause anxiety.

“By using arbitration, practical issues such as the time the children spend with each parent, choices about education or holiday arrangements can be worked out and agreed outside of court. Any decision made is as legally binding as if it was made in court.”

It not only offers parents the option of a less stressful experience, but frees up court time for other cases. Arbitration also allows parents to retain privacy, as it takes place in a closed environment, whilst a court is accessible to the public and cases can be reported in the press. It can work alongside mediation and other forms of dispute resolution if a couple become stuck on individual points.

Vanessa follows in the footsteps of The Family Law Company’s Managing Director Norman Hartnell who was amongst the first 20 solicitors to qualify in the country last year. The course is run through Family Arbitration through Resolution and required Vanessa to attend a residential course at the Institute of Arbitrators in London.

As part of The Family Law Company’s Private Law Children Team, Vanessa provides advice and support across a full range of matters including residence, contact, wardship, surrogacy, care work, grandparents’ rights and adoption, including international adoption. She has served on the local Resolution committee and the National Law Society subcommittee on Children Law and also sits as a Deputy District Judge.

Vanessa added: “I am delighted to be able to now offer arbitration for children’s issues; I feel this sits well with The Family Law Company’s commitment to using a problem-solving approach for couples going their separate ways, rather than encourage a combative culture.”

For information on using this service call 01392 421777 or visit The Family Law Company's website.