The Family Procedure Rules now place significant emphasis on Non-Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR), reflecting the growing recognition that many family disputes can be resolved more effectively outside the traditional court process. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), now more commonly referred to as NCDR, offers families a constructive, confidential and cost-effective means of resolving disputes while providing greater flexibility, privacy and control over both the process and the outcome. By encouraging collaboration and informed decision-making, NCDR enables parties to achieve practical and lasting solutions while minimising the emotional and financial impact of litigation.
NCDR encompasses a range of processes designed to assist families in resolving disputes without the need for contested court hearings. These include Private Financial Dispute Resolution appointments (Private FDRs), Arbitration, Mediation and Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE). Each process offers distinct advantages, allowing parties and their advisers to select the most appropriate route according to the issues in dispute and the needs of the family. Greater flexibility over procedure, venue and timing often enables matters to be resolved more quickly and efficiently than through the court system.
Non-Court Dispute Resolution has an important role across the full spectrum of family law. It is particularly effective in financial remedy proceedings following divorce or dissolution, including cases involving complex assets, businesses, pensions, trusts and inherited wealth. It can also be used successfully in disputes concerning arrangements for children, relocation, specific issue and prohibited steps applications, together with many other private family law matters. Whether the issues are straightforward or highly complex, NCDR provides an opportunity to explore practical, proportionate and child-focused solutions with the assistance of experienced family law specialists.
As one of the region’s leading family sets, our Family Group is recognised for the depth of its expertise and the quality of its advocacy. Members of our team are highly experienced in every aspect of Non-Court Dispute Resolution and are regularly instructed by solicitors, organisations and private clients to undertake a wide range of NCDR appointments. Our barristers act as Private FDR evaluators, arbitrators and mediators, as well as representing parties participating in these processes. They combine extensive courtroom experience with outstanding negotiation and evaluative skills, providing balanced, practical and authoritative guidance to assist parties in achieving fair and durable outcomes.
Our commitment to NCDR extends beyond the expertise of our barristers. We are proud to offer first-class facilities within our chambers, providing an ideal venue for Private FDRs, arbitrations, mediations and other forms of dispute resolution. Our modern, professional premises include comfortable conference rooms, private consultation rooms and excellent client facilities, creating a welcoming, confidential and productive environment in which parties, solicitors and professionals can work towards settlement.
We recognise that every family is different, and there is no single route to resolving disputes. Our experienced team is committed to delivering a responsive, collaborative and solution-focused service, helping clients and professional advisers identify the most appropriate form of Non-Court Dispute Resolution for each case. By combining exceptional legal expertise with first-class facilities and a practical approach to problem-solving, we are well placed to support families in achieving timely, proportionate and lasting resolutions outside the courtroom.
