Family Law Arbitration

The ideal preparation for a career in family law arbitration, or guiding your clients through the family law arbitration process. Develop skills, knowledge and a practical understanding of family law arbitration and its role within the Australian legal system.

This six-week online program is designed to provide students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills to develop their understanding and appreciation of dispute resolution, and the process and legislative framework of family law arbitration in Australia.

A unique collaboration offered by the Resolution Institute  and the University of Adelaide’s Law School, this program’s reflective practice approach allows participants to engage in a process of continual learning and to build knowledge and understanding of key concepts throughout the six-week program.

The weekly interactive online sessions and final practical workshop combine solid academic content with a strong practical focus to support students’ understanding of family law arbitration proceedings. Assessments are focused on building skills in writing successful arbitral awards and understanding family law arbitration processes within a legal framework.

The program satisfies the specialist arbitration training requirements for inclusion on the practitioner list of Family Arbitrators maintained by the Australian Institute of Family Law Arbitrators and Mediators (AIFLAM).

There are 18 hours of scheduled learning activities, plus additional structured learning activities to be completed in preparation.

Early registration fee (until 31 August 2022): $3,000.00
Full fee (from 1 September 2022): $3,400.00
Resolution Institute Members: $2,800.00

Your commitment: 6 weeks, 5 - 6 hours per week made up of 1 x 2 hour live virtual learning session each week and 2 - 4 hours of self-led work.

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  • Topics and session dates

    The interactive online weekly sessions are delivered via Zoom.  

    Participants in this course will be exposed to the key considerations of safety during the family law arbitration process (comprising safety of the arbitrator and parties, risk identification and management, as well as mechanisms to improve outcomes for vulnerable parties) across Weeks 1 and 3 of the course, and in a dedicated session in the day-long capstone workshop.

    The following activities will be undertaken:

    Week Topic Day and date Time
    1 The legislative context for family law arbitration and understanding the role of the family law arbitrator and will include a collaborative discussion on identifying safety risks prior to commencing a family law arbitration, particularly having regard to child abuse and serious danger to a child (as required by Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) ss 67ZA and 111CV). Tuesday, 11 October 6.00pm – 8.00pm (ACST)
    2 The arbitration process, including arbitrability and the preliminary meeting. Tuesday, 18 October 6.00pm – 8.00pm (ACST)
    3 A practical exercise, requiring participants to analyse a scenario and how they would in turn implement necessary safety protocols, including: agreeing guidelines to encourage appropriate conduct; activating appropriate security protocols; using communication technology or other protective arrangements; and having a party’s support person attend the arbitration. Tuesday, 25 October 6.00pm – 8.00pm (ACST)
    4 Costs and remedies, including the ‘just and equitable’ requirement, the enforcement powers of the Family Courts, and reflective practice. Tuesday, 1 November 6.00pm – 8.00pm (ACST)
    5 Guest speakers, including an Arbitration List Judge and a practising family law arbitrator, who will discuss how to build an arbitration practice, and provide practical tips for conducting a successful arbitration. Tuesday, 8 November 6.00pm – 8.00pm (ACST)
    Final Session Coordinated by Resolution Institute, this session will include practical case study and role play in identifying when it is appropriate to suspend or terminate the arbitration, potentially referring the matter back to the court, with appropriate steps taken to protect the safety of the parties. Saturday, 26 November 9.00am – 5.00pm (ACST)

  • Should I attend?

    This program is will appeal to highly motivated people in two main categories:

    1. those interested in gaining skills and knowledge in family law arbitration to enhance their business and professional knowledge and practices.
    2. those in professional practice who are likely to be sought after to provide expert advice and services as Family Law Arbitrators.

  • How will I benefit?

    Participants will benefit from the practical and focused approach in this specialised area of DR, the flexible learning delivery format and the career development opportunities available through recognised accreditation and acquisition of CPD points.  

    • The program satisfies the specialist arbitration training requirements for inclusion on the practitioner list of Family Arbitrators maintained by the Australian Institute of Family Law Arbitrators and Mediators (AIFLAM).
    • CPD hours are recognised the Resolution Institute’s accreditation scheme, and may be suitable for the CPD requirements of legal practitioners in accordance with the rules of each jurisdiction.
    • The program has highly practical and experiential content - the flexible learning approach includes online content and virtual delivery. Learners benefit from multiple learning channels and media formats, and can organise study around their work and life commitments.
    • There is close industry partnering in the delivery of the program which provides many opportunities for students to experience and learn how arbitration works in real-world scenarios and cases.
    • Participants acquire transferrable skill sets that benefit their careers and organisations in which they work.
    • Current University of Adelaide post-graduate award program students can gain one course worth of credit towards their Masters-level qualification.

  • CPD Recognition and Articulation Pathways

    This program is recognised by the Australian Institute of Family Law Arbitrators and Mediators (AIFLAM) and satisfies the specialist arbitration training requirements for inclusion on the practitioner list of Family Arbitrators maintained by the Australian Institute of Family Law Arbitrators and Mediators (AIFLAM). To become a nominated Family Law Arbitrator through AIFLAM, applicants must meet additional requirements in relation to legal experience and practice as required under Regulation 67B of the Family Law Regulation 1984. This includes the requirement that the applicant has practised as a Legal Practitioner for at least 5 years with at least 25% of work done in that time in relation to Family Law.

    Further information is available at www.familycourt.gov.au

    This program will contribute 18 points of CPD under the Resolution Institution accreditation schemes, where 1 hour = 1 CPD point. This course may meet the CPD requirements of legal practitioners, in accordance with the rules of each jurisdiction.

    University of Adelaide Law School Masters Program course credit – participants who successfully complete all sessions of the online program and pass all assessment requirements will be eligible to gain 3 units of credit towards their Masters program.  Further information is available by contacting  pglawenquiry@adelaide.edu.au  

  • Certification
    • All participants who successfully complete the course will receive a University of Adelaide Certificate of Completion.
    • Participants who complete the Assessment component of the program will receive a University of Adelaide Statement of Results.

  • Entry requirements

    There are no formal entry requirements, however it is strongly recommended that applicants have some understanding of the legal system (whether as graduates of an LLB or similar program, through completion of university-level course(s) offering an introduction to law or business law, or through relevant professional experience) to undertake this program.

    English Language Proficiency Requirement
    If your first language is not English, you must be equipped to demonstrate English Language Proficiency throughout your short course enrolment at a minimum IELTS Level 6.5 in all bands in line with the University of Adelaide's Minimum English Language Requirements .

Enter our online learning space

You will need:

  • computer or tablet with Zoom installed.
  • Chrome or Firefox browsers to view your course online
  • webcam, headphones and microphone
  • internet connection (broadband or 4G minimum)
  • notepaper and pen
  • a willingness to participate and engage with the instructor and other course participants.

Please note: it is your responsibility to ensure you have the necessary technology requirements prior to each session.