Arbitration

YOUR FAMILY'S FUTURE MATTERS!

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Fair and Final Resolution

Arbitration

Not every family law dispute has to end up in court. In fact, many couples and co-parents are choosing arbitration as a faster, more private, and often less stressful way to resolve their legal issues. At Hand & Toker, LLC, we help clients across New Jersey navigate arbitration as an effective alternative to litigation, especially when traditional negotiation has broken down, but both parties want to avoid the time, cost, and public nature of a courtroom battle.

Whether you’re in the middle of a divorce, custody disagreement, or financial dispute, our attorneys can help you determine if arbitration is right for you, and ensure that your rights and priorities are fully represented throughout the process.

Why Us?

You can trust our team at Hand & Toker to advocate passionately for your family’s best interests with expertise and care.

Arbitration agreement form on an office table

What Is Arbitration in Family Law?

Arbitration is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) where both parties agree to present their case to a neutral third party, called an arbitrator, who acts much like a judge. However, unlike court proceedings, arbitration is typically private, more flexible, and less formal.

Both parties can agree on who the arbitrator will be, how the process will unfold, and what issues will be resolved. At the end of the process, the arbitrator makes a binding decision, just like a judge would. This decision is enforceable in court.

Common issues resolved in family law arbitration include:

  • Property and asset division
  • Alimony and spousal support
  • Child custody and parenting time (with some limitations under NJ law)
  • Disputes involving prenuptial or postnuptial agreements
  • Post-divorce financial disagreements

Benefits of Arbitration

One of the biggest advantages of arbitration is efficiency. Unlike a public trial, which can take months or even years to schedule and resolve, arbitration can be set on a much faster timeline, often weeks.

It’s also private. Unlike court proceedings, which are part of the public record, arbitration is confidential. This can be especially important when high-value assets, business interests, or sensitive family matters are involved.

Arbitration can also be less adversarial than litigation. Because both parties agree to participate and often have more control over the process, it can feel more cooperative and less combative—which is helpful when children or ongoing co-parenting relationships are involved.

Finally, arbitration often allows for more customized outcomes. Judges are bound by strict procedures and timelines, but arbitrators have more flexibility to tailor solutions that work for both parties.

Is Arbitration Right for You?

Arbitration is not for everyone. It requires that both parties agree to participate, and in some situations, such as domestic violence cases or urgent custody disputes, court intervention may be the better path.

However, if you and your ex are willing to work within a structured process but want to avoid the stress and delay of court, arbitration may offer a powerful alternative.

At Hand & Toker, we’ll talk through your goals, assess the nature of your conflict, and help you determine if arbitration aligns with your needs. If so, we’ll represent you during the proceedings and make sure your voice is heard every step of the way.

Our Role in the Arbitration Process

Whether you’re entering arbitration voluntarily or as part of a court-recommended process, you need legal counsel who understands how to build a strong case, present it clearly, and protect your interests from start to finish.

We’ll help you:

  • Select a fair and experienced arbitrator
  • Prepare evidence, financial records, and testimony
  • Negotiate the scope of arbitration (what’s being decided)
  • Advocate for your position during hearings
  • Ensure the arbitrator’s decision is properly documented and enforceable

We’ve guided many clients through successful arbitration and know how to strike the right balance between assertiveness and cooperation.

Choose a Smarter Path Forward

Arbitration isn’t just an alternative to litigation; it’s a smarter, more controlled way to resolve difficult family law issues with less cost, less stress, and more privacy.

If you’re facing a dispute that needs resolution, but want to avoid a drawn-out courtroom battle, contact Hand & Toker, LLC today. We’ll help you understand your options and explore whether arbitration is the right move for your future.

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