Single-Issue & Rolling Arbitration — BC Family Law Decisions Without Court
Getting legally binding decisions on specific family law issues shouldn't mean waiting months for a court date.
Single-issue arbitration and rolling arbitration give BC families a private, timely alternative. You can resolve defined parenting or financial issues through a structured decision-making process — conducted entirely online — and walk away with a binding, enforceable result.
This service is available to self-represented clients who obtain independent legal advice, as well as lawyer-assisted parties throughout British Columbia.
What Is Single-Issue Arbitration?
Single-issue arbitration is a focused, decision-based process. You and the other party jointly retain an arbitrator to decide one specific legal or parenting issue that isn't resolved — or can't be resolved — under your existing agreement or court order.
It is not mediation. It is not coaching. It does not require ongoing negotiation or repeated attempts to reach agreement. The arbitrator hears each party's position and issues a written decision that is legally binding and enforceable, subject only to the limited review mechanisms provided under BC's Family Law Act.
The process is built around a written arbitration agreement that clearly defines:
- The specific issues to be decided
- The scope of the arbitrator's authority
- The procedure to be followed
- That the resulting decision is binding
When Families Turn to Single-Issue Arbitration
- A decision is needed on something not covered by an existing agreement or court order
- An existing arrangement needs to be updated, clarified, or changed
- Issues keep recurring but can't be resolved through discussion
- Delay, cost, or repeated returns to court have become unsustainable
The goal isn't to resolve everything at once. The goal is to resolve what is actually stuck.
Rolling Arbitration: Ongoing Decision-Making Over Time
Where families face recurring disputes, rolling arbitration offers a practical model. Instead of combining every dispute into one large proceeding, you retain the arbitrator for a defined period — typically one to two years — and address issues one at a time as they arise. Rolling arbitration provides: - Ongoing access to binding decision-making without returning to court - Faster resolution of emerging disputes before they escalate - Greater control over scope and cost - A consistent decision-maker who already understands your family's context Each issue gets its own focused determination. Matters keep moving forward without delay or repetition.
How the Process Works
The arbitration process is governed by procedural fairness but designed for efficiency — it is not a replication of court.
- Each party has a fair opportunity to present their position
- Disclosure is limited to what the issue actually requires
- Written submissions can serve as the primary process where appropriate
- The level of process is tailored to the complexity of the dispute
All proceedings are conducted online. If you have internet access, you can obtain an enforceable result without attending court.
Fit and Limitations
Single-issue arbitration is not suitable for every family or every issue. It requires willingness to participate in a structured, binding process within clearly defined limits. It is not a forum for re-litigating past grievances or pursuing broad, open-ended claims.
Where safety concerns, non-participation, or issues outside the arbitrator's authority arise, the matter must return to court.
Part of my role is helping families assess early whether parenting coordination or single-issue arbitration is the right path. These are distinct processes under BC's Family Law Act, and the same professional cannot serve in both roles for the same family. Where a different process is needed, a separate appointment must be made.
Optional Educational Support
Clients are provided access to curated educational materials at no cost, with guidance on neuroscience-informed methods for transforming high-conflict communication into structured consultation that leads to parenting decisions. These materials are entirely optional. If an issue isn't resolved through that framework, parties can return for rolling arbitration.
Parents are not required to review or rely on these materials for the arbitration to proceed.
Ready to discuss whether arbitration fits your situation?
Contact me at 250-717-0926 or [email protected] to schedule a consultation. Based in Kelowna and serving families remotely throughout British Columbia.
About Cori L. McGuire Law Corporation
I bring decades of family law experience to every arbitration. My practice is built on the understanding that BC families need practical, legally sound paths to resolution — not endless procedural delays. I serve as both a family law arbitrator and a parenting coordinator in Kelowna and throughout British Columbia. This dual lens gives me a clear view of when each process fits, and when it doesn't. Learn more about my background and approach