Arbitration is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and is still relatively new to Family Law, although it is used widely for commercial disputes.  Parties in dispute refer one, some or all issues to arbitration where a Family Law Arbitrator makes a decision as a private judge.  That decision is binding on all parties.  There are many advantages over court, the process can be tailored to what is needed by the parties, who is appointed, where and when the case is heard and it is confidential.