Non Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR) in Family Law
Resolve family disputes without going to court. Explore practical, cost-effective options designed to keep things amicable and stress-free.
What is Non Court Dispute Resolution?
Non Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR) is an umbrella term for the various ways of resolving issues around finances or children after the breakdown of a relationship without the need for contested court proceedings. As a firm of experienced family law solicitors, we are focused on concluding matters without the need for court proceedings wherever possible, and we will consider these with you at the outset of your case.
When might NCDR help you?
NCDR can be used to seek a resolution to almost any issue arising from divorce or separation including:
- The time that your children are going to spend with each of you, and related issues like contact between your children and extended family members or a parent’s new partner
- Disagreements over particular issues relating to the children, for example where they will go to school, arrangements for holidays abroad, medical treatment or help with mental health issues
- What to do about your family home on divorce or separation
- How to divide your other assets, whether that be savings, investments, properties or businesses
- How to approach any inherited or gifted assets
- How to approach your pensions on divorce
- Ongoing financial support from one parent to the other for the benefit of your children on separation or divorce
- Ongoing financial support from one spouse to the other following a divorce
We can provide advice at an early stage on which forms of NCDR might benefit you. Our family law solicitors will guide you every step of the way.
We offer a no-obligation initial consultation to understand your needs and assemble the best legal team for your case. You’ll find us approachable and supportive throughout the process.
What are the main types of non court dispute resolution?
The main forms of NCDR are:
Family mediation
A family mediator is a neutral specialist who works with you across several sessions to help you deal with the issues arising from your separation or divorce. Mediation enables you to communicate directly with each other, rather than through solicitors. Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process, which takes place in a safe, non-hostile environment. A family mediator will not impose any decision or settlement on you. Instead, their role is to facilitate a discussion between you to help you put together a jointly agreed set of proposals. Our family law solicitors can guide you through this process and ensure your legal position is protected.
Collaborative law
Collaborative law (also known as collaborative practice) is an alternative way of working with solicitors that is designed to promote cooperation and dialogue rather than adversarial stances. You each instruct a specially trained collaborative solicitor, and you and your solicitors all enter into a written agreement to abide by the collaborative process. This involves a series of joint, face-to-face meetings, which focus on identifying creative and practical solutions that work for both of you, with the help of your solicitors. Our collaborative family law solicitors are highly experienced in this approach.
Family arbitration
Family arbitration involves you both entering into a formal agreement to appoint an independent and impartial arbitrator to adjudicate the dispute. The arbitrator is typically a very experienced family solicitor, who listens to the arguments and evidence and then makes a formal written decision (known as an award), which determines the outcome. The award is final and binding. Our team of family law solicitors can prepare you for arbitration and ensure your interests are represented.
Solicitor-led negotiation
You also have the option of negotiating through your solicitors, without court proceedings being issued. This is usually done via written correspondence, but can also involve your solicitors speaking directly by phone. In some cases, in-person roundtable discussions and negotiations involving both of you and your solicitors can be useful. Our family law solicitors are skilled negotiators who aim to resolve matters efficiently.
Private financial dispute resolution (PFDR)
In contested court proceedings over finances on divorce, the court arranges a hearing known as a financial dispute resolution appointment (FDR), at which a judge gives an indication of the likely outcome of the case at a trial, and encourages you to try to negotiate an agreement at court in the light of it, but cannot impose an outcome on you. A PFDR does the same, outside of the court process, with a privately instructed senior family lawyer who acts as the “judge”. It is often a cost-efficient way to reach a negotiated settlement. If you are already in court proceedings, they can be paused to allow a PFDR to take place. Our family law solicitors can advise and support you throughout this process.
How we can help
We combine deep expertise with a compassionate approach to deliver exceptional results in family law. Our focus is on guiding you through life’s most challenging moments with clarity, sensitivity and strategic thinking - always putting your best interests first.
We can provide advice at an early stage on which forms of NCDR might benefit you. Our family law solicitors will guide you every step of the way.
Expert family mediators
Two qualified family mediators who are also experienced solicitors, bringing legal knowledge to their mediation practice.
Trusted external mediator referrals
Recommendations for excellent external mediators across the country and support throughout the mediation process.
Arbitration and PFDR expertise
Extensive experience in preparing for arbitration or PFDR and identifying the right professionals for your case
Early neutral evaluation support
Assistance with early neutral evaluation to support negotiations in mediation, collaborative practice, and solicitor-led negotiations.
Client testimonials
"They offer an excellent client service – with a strong team having knowledge of the law; how to effectively address the issues and good back-up an...
The Legal 500, 2024
“They are knowledgeable and fervently represent their clients but they are also approachable and conciliatory.”
Chambers & Partners 2024
"They are a very high quality yet approachable and accessible specialist family team, with a broad-ranging practice. They don’t just focus on net w...
The Legal 500, 2023
"Freeths is a really well-rounded team who works collaboratively and efficiently to achieve the very best for the clients."
The Legal 500, 2023
"Freeth LLP’s Family Team is distinguished by its client-focused and comprehensive approach to family law, offering a seamless blend of legal exper...
The Legal 500, 2026
"Every member of the team demonstrates a genuine commitment to the service provided and an understanding of the area they advise. The deliver with...
The Legal 500, 2026
"The team are friendly and approachable, capable technically, but above all communicate in an efficient and appropriate manner with clients."
Chambers & Partners, 2026
"The Family practice at Freeths shows great care and compassion to its clients, a feature particularly welcomed as going through a divorce is a dif...
The Legal 500, 2025
"From the minute I spoke to the team at Freeths I knew they were definitely the firm for me. Freeths explained everything to me, what the divorce p...
The Legal 500, 2025
"Freeths is an excellent firm; the team is pragmatic, sensible and outcome-orientated, and will work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcom...
The Legal 500, 2025
"I really felt that there was a good balance between the business and the human side. Going through a separation myself, which is a tough moment, i...
The Legal 500, 2025
"The firm is excellent at providing legal advice balanced with an understanding of how families actually work."
Chambers & Partners, 2025
"What distinguishes Freeths is their analytical skill. Their speed and accuracy is so good and exceptional."
Chambers & Partners, 2025
"Freeths is conscious of providing value for their clients, without cutting corners. Fee discussions are always open and realistic and tailored to...
Chambers & Partners, 2025
"They understand complex client needs and are able to assist those clients through a challenging time. They are a brilliant team to work with and t...
Chambers & Partners, 2025
"Freeths' solicitors have an excellent grasp of the law. They are approachable, pragmatic and solution-focused."
Chambers High Net Worth 2025, Band 3
"Freeths' team members are a fantastic mix of approachable, down to earth and practical, while also being very 'in the detail' and up to speed with...
Chambers High Net Worth 2025, Band 3
"Freeths is a very good firm that goes above and beyond for its clients and supports them throughout and beyond the process."
Chambers High Net Worth 2025, Band 3
"They remained professional and effective throughout the case. Their professionalism and calmness helped us as clients to remain calm and focus on...
Chambers High Net Worth 2025, Band 3
"The team are friendly and approachable, capable technically, but above all communicate in an efficient and appropriate manner with clients."
Chambers High Net Worth 2025, Band 3
Our accreditations
We are celebrating another year of accreditations and rankings.
Related news & articles
Explore our library of legal articles covering every aspect of family law, from divorce and child arrangements to financial settlements and prenuptial agreements, designed to keep you informed and empowered
Meet our team
Stephanie Kyriacou
Managing Associate
Gemma Nicholls-Webber
Managing Associate
Stephanie Clifton
Senior Associate
Alexandra Haworth
Senior Associate
Contact us today
Whatever your legal needs, our wide ranging expertise is here to support you and your business, so let’s start your legal journey today and get you in touch with the right lawyer to get you started.
Get in touch
For general enquiries, please complete this form and we will direct your message to the most appropriate person.