A great discussion/ summary article setting out the benefits of private hearings in divorce.
From experience, the additional cost of another expert – the judge – may seem daunting, but it can be outweighed by the advantages:
- the ability to ‘pick’ the judge based on their expertise matching your particular circumstances (or the issue in question such as a business valuation/ legal arguments); and
- setting the day to meet your needs (place/ time/ setting).
Plus it can mean that the case is far more likely to settle sooner than traditional court litigation. And, may therefore save money in the longer term.
It also, helpfully, deals with the new rules regarding press having access to family courts and ensures privacy.
Divorcing couples who can afford it are increasingly turning to private judges to reach financial settlements, say legal experts.
This involves a hearing set up by the spouses where a hired judge – usually a barrister or retired judge – gives them an indication of how a court would probably rule in their case.
http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/bills/article-14398529/Private-judge-split-finances-divorce.html