Arbitration
Doris Tennant serves as an arbitrator in domestic relations cases, hearing the parties' evidence and testimony, and issuing rulings within the limits of authority granted by the parties. Doris has been trained as an arbitrator by the Arbitration Training Institute of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.
Arbitration allows parties to resolve disputes more quickly and less expensively than by going to court. Instead of a Family and Probate Court judge, an arbitrator decides the issues in a dispute. Arbitration differs from mediation in that the arbitrator renders a decision, whereas a mediator guides the parties in reaching a decision. Arbitration is less formal and more efficient than a court trial, however. Conformity to the legal rules of evidence is not required, and arbitrators often decide matters and issue their opinions within 30 days of the arbitration.