Examples

Unrepresented parties cannot agree on summer access:

• Parties cannot afford to have lawyers involved
• They are too late to book a court date
• They want to “speak to the Judge”
• Parties book a 1 hour “Expedited Hearing” as early as 3 days before the hearing, without the need for Affidavits or lawyers; sit in a boardroom, and are able to state their case to the Arbitrator under oath
• Start to finish, they receive their written decision within 5 days

Court date booked for interim spousal support:

• The lawyers want the Affidavits read before oral argument
• The lawyers want longer than 10 min for argument
• The clients want involvement in process
• 1⁄2 day “Expedited Hearing” is booked as early as 5 days before the hearing
• Short Affidavit exchange process and oral evidence under oath
• All materials read by Arbitrator before hearing
• Clients and lawyers have 1⁄2 day for argument/explanation of their case
• Written decision within 48 hours

Parties facing exclusive possession application:

• Lawyers feel materials are not needed and involvement by the clients would be best
• Lawyers want a decision maker experienced in family law
• 1 hr. “Expedited Hearing” can be booked as early as 3 days before the hearing, without materials

The parties agree to their property division except for the determination of exemptions:

• Parties cannot afford trial and want the matter resolved expeditiously
• Typically cannot book court Chambers for property issues
• 1/2 day “Regular Hearing” booked and will be heard as early as 25
• days from booking the date
• Short Affidavit exchange process
• Clients and lawyers like the informal oral argument format

The parties are facing an expensive and time consuming mobility application.

• Both parties want to speak directly to the decision maker
• The lawyers want a full day hearing
• 1 day “Regular Hearing” occurs as early as 25 days from booking the date

The parties require a full parenting plan.

• It is essential that the decision maker hears detailed particulars of the family’s circumstances
• After a full day “Regular Hearing” a detailed parenting plan is awarded, taking into consideration the family’s circumstances

The parties have agreed on everything in mediation except retroactive spousal and child support;

• The parties book a 1⁄2 day “Regular Hearing”
• Short Affidavit exchange process
• Parties decide not to attend and have lawyers present oral argument only
•  Decision made within 7 days of hearing