Family law arbitration in South Africa
A clearer path through family law disputes.
FLAFSA supports the development of a private, structured and fair arbitration process for South African families and practitioners.
Who we are
Advancing family law arbitration for South Africa.
FLAFSA was established by a group of senior family law practitioners who began lobbying for arbitration to become available in family law matters across South Africa. The organisation has actively engaged government, the Department of Justice, the South African Law Reform Commission (SALRC), the Law Society of South Africa (LSSA), and international family law bodies.
With formal training facilitated alongside the Institute of Family Law Arbitrators (IFLA) in England and evaluated by retired South African judges, FLAFSA works to ensure that family arbitration is conducted to the highest professional and ethical standards.
Our story and purposeFamily-aware
A process designed specifically for sensitive disputes, keeping the dignity, emotional well-being, and interests of families and children strictly in view.
Private
Matters are resolved in a confidential, dignified environment outside public courtrooms, safeguarding privacy for all parties and dependants.
Structured
A tailored timetable, defined issues, and procedural certainty enable parties to resolve disputes efficiently with a binding, reasoned outcome.
Dedicated Legal Framework
Restoring certainty to complex family transitions.
Unlike commercial litigation, family disputes require specialized patience, deep procedural acumen, and emotional sensitivity. FLAFSA brings together advocates, attorneys, and accredited arbitrators dedicated to resolving parenting, patrimonial, and relocation matters without courtroom acrimony.
Legislative development
Building the framework for family law arbitration.
The South African Law Reform Commission (SALRC) has formally recommended that arbitration be available in family law matters, including matters involving children. A dedicated Draft Bill incorporating these progressive recommendations is currently under active consideration by Parliament and the Department of Justice.
View law reform resources