Purpose built for a changing family law landscape.

From advocacy to action

FLAFSA was established by a group of senior South African legal practitioners who recognized the urgent need for a private, specialized forum in family matters: Zenobia du Toit, Bev Clark, Pat Moodley, Susan Abro, Stuart Humphrey, Craig Schneider.

Because arbitration has historically been excluded from family law matters under the outdated 1965 Arbitration Act, the founders actively lobbied government and the Department of Justice. Critical sessions were convened with the Deputy Minister of Justice, the South African Law Reform Commission (SALRC), the Law Society of South Africa (LSSA), and leadership of the legal profession.

FLAFSA received generous institutional assistance from the Institute of Family Law Arbitrators (IFLA) in England. International arbitral leaders shared comparative insight, specialized training protocols, and best procedural practices from established Commonwealth jurisdictions.

Continuing law reform

FLAFSA has actively contributed comprehensive submissions to South African Law Reform Commission issue papers concerning Alternative Dispute Resolution (Project 94).

The Commission has endorsed FLAFSA’s core tenets, recommending that arbitration be formally available in family law proceedings—including care and contact matters concerning children. A Draft Family Law Arbitration Bill reflecting these proposals is currently before the legislature.