What training must a family arbitrator have under Ontario's rules?

Ontario's arbitration legislation sets out specific qualification and training requirements a person must meet before they can act as a family arbitrator, and these go beyond simply being a lawyer, mediator, or retired judge. A family arbitrator generally needs training in Ontario family law itself, so they understand the legal framework they're applying, along with training specifically in screening for family violence and power imbalances between the parties, since these issues can seriously affect whether arbitration is even appropriate for a given couple.

This training requirement exists because family arbitration deals with sensitive, high-stakes issues like parenting arrangements and support, and the province wants arbitrators equipped to recognize situations where arbitration isn't safe or suitable, not just to apply legal rules. Because the exact courses and credentialing bodies can change over time, anyone choosing a family arbitrator should ask directly about their specific training and ask to see confirmation of it, rather than assuming a general arbitration background is automatically sufficient. A family lawyer can help confirm whether a prospective arbitrator meets the current requirements before an agreement is signed.