How does arbitration work?

The spouses make the decision that they choose to go through arbitration rather than through the court. An arbitrator or multiple arbitrators are hired by the spouses to hear their case. When there is more than one arbitrator, it is commonly referred to as an arbitration panel (multiple arbitrators will lessen the risk of an inappropriate decision being made, almost as if you are creating a jury of checks and balances).

Each spouse presents his or her side with or without the aid of a lawyer. The arbitration proceeds in an orderly fashion but is often less formal than a courtroom. Once each spouse has presented his or her case, a decision will be made by the arbitrator(s).