What credentials should someone check before hiring a family arbitrator in Ontario?

Before hiring a family arbitrator, it's worth confirming they have the specific qualifications Ontario's framework requires for this role, including training in Ontario family law and in screening for family violence and power imbalances, rather than assuming a general arbitration or mediation background is automatically sufficient. Many family arbitrators are also lawyers, retired judges, or mental health professionals with additional dispute-resolution training, and their professional background can matter depending on the type of dispute involved, whether it's primarily about parenting, property, or support.

Beyond formal training, it's reasonable to ask about their specific experience handling cases similar to yours, how they structure the arbitration process, their fee arrangements, and whether they carry professional liability coverage. Getting recommendations from a family lawyer, who often knows local arbitrators' reputations and approaches firsthand, is a practical way to narrow the search. Because the arbitrator you choose will make binding decisions about significant issues in your life, taking the time to verify credentials and ask detailed questions before signing an arbitration agreement is worth the effort rather than choosing based on availability alone.