Family Arbitration is another form of Dispute Resolution offered at Coram.
Whilst the need to pay for the Arbitrator might suggest it is more expensive than the court process, the swift timescale in which it can be heard generally and the fact (and peace of mind) that there is no risk that the hearing will not go ahead at the last minute due to judicial unavailability, means that there is an overall saving on costs.
“The calibre of barristers at Coram Chambers is very good in all aspects of the services they provide. Their knowledge of all applicable law and their technical ability impress.”
Chambers & Partners 2026
Book an Arbitrator
There are a number of attractive alternatives to the traditional court route, for example:
- You can select who decides your dispute and pick your own Arbitrator. Alternatively, you can ask for one to be chosen for you from a shortlist.
- You can choose the procedure to be flexible to suit your needs and circumstances – you might want a written determination on the papers, a determination on one issue only, or a full hearing with evidence as in court.
- You can choose when the hearing will take place and the location.
- Speed – you don’t have to wait until the court finds you a date, subject to your chosen Arbitrator’s availability the timetable is in the parties’ hands.
- Privacy – Arbitration is completely confidential and there is no right for the media to be present.
We have members able to conduct Arbitrations in both financial and children cases, all of whom are members of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
Children Arbitrators
Shiva Ancliffe KC
Anne Spratling
Anna Walsh
Anarkali Musgrave
Matthew Richardson
Financial Arbitrators
Michael Horton KC
Matthew Richardson
Arbitrator rates
The below Arbitration rates assume that the Arbitrator will read a bundle (of up to 350 pages) and will deliver a written Award and that the hearing is a full day. For multi-day Arbitrations or Arbitrations in writing please contact the clerks for further assistance.
| Barrister | Fee (£) |
| Michael Horton KC (Finance, Schedule 1 & TOLATA) | £7,000 + VAT |
| Shiva Ancliffe KC (Children) | £6,000 + VAT |
| Elizabeth Isaacs KC* (Children) | £10,000 + VAT |
| Anne Spratling (Children) | £4,000 + VAT |
| Anarkali Musgrave (Children) | £3,500 + VAT |
| Anna Walsh (Children) | £3,500 + VAT |
| Matthew Richardson (Children, Finance & TOLATA) | £3,500 + VAT |
Would you like to book an Arbitrator?
Resources
For more information on family law arbitration and how to appoint an arbitrator, see the website of the Institute of Family Law Arbitrators (IFLA).
The IFLA Children Scheme Arbitration Rules
The IFLA Financial Scheme Arbitration Rules
The IFLA Children Scheme Referral Form
The IFLA Financial Scheme Referral Form
The Forum of Family Arbitrators has produced a quick guide to arbitration that you can view here.
If you have any queries or for any further information please do not hesitate to contact our Senior Clerk, Sean Gentleman, or one of our Senior Practice Manager’s, Harry Butcher or Joe Bernard who would be happy to discuss.