Wechsler Becker now offers an expedited, weekly Family Law Motions Arbitration docket with a qualified Family Law Arbitrator. The current logistical realities of the court’s availability present challenges to both parties who seek expedient resolution of their disputes.
Arbitrate Your Family Law Dispute Within 14 Days
Using the calendar tool below, parties who have agreed in advance to arbitrate a matter that would otherwise be brought on the Family Law Motions Calendar may proceed to a hearing on an expedited schedule, often within 14 days of confirmation. Once parties reserve a slot, agreements and payment requests will be sent to counsel via e-mail. The parties confirm the hearing when they each pay a $1,000 flat fee (subject to reallocation at the hearing) unless otherwise agreed or ordered, and which covers all administrative tasks of arbitration, including time to read, the hearing, and time to render decisions.
The Same, But Faster
Arbitration on this calendar follows the same submission timelines and page limits as found in the King County Local Rules, although parties may agree to modify the deadlines with arbitrator approval.
How Does it Work?
Documents and proposed orders for the hearing should be uploaded via links provided at the outset of arbitration or provided to Wechsler Becker in hardcopy if litigants prefer. Unless the parties prearrange for an in-person arbitration, all arbitrations will be heard via Zoom and decisions provided to the parties within three business days, if not provided the same day as the hearing.
Please note that prior to arbitration confirmation, the parties must clear a conflict check and return the necessary signed agreement.
*Family Law arbitrations may include any issues that would otherwise be set before a judicial officer in Superior Court except if those issues involve requests for Domestic Violence Protection Orders, Weapons Surrender Orders, and matters of contempt.
