So arbitration is pretty final, isn’t it?

Yes, for the most part arbitration is a final and binding determination, which is just as final as a trial. Because of the limited rights of appeal, an arbitration in some ways is even more final than a trial. The court must approve of the arbitration decision on certain issues like child support and child custody, so it may not be as final as one may think, but your right or your spouses right to change the outcome is minimal.

For example; when the judge of the family court reviews the arbitration decision, the child support award set forth in the ruling seems to be too low. He or she may request a new arbitration for this one issue or adjust the child support award to what he or she thinks is in the best interest for the children.