Dispute Resolution

Whether you are going through a divorce, agree child arrangements or sorting your finances, our team of lawyers can help you choose the best process for you.

Going to court can be highly stressful, and we understand this. We're known nationally and internationally for our genuine commitment to dispute resolution options that can keep your family matters out of court.

Resolving your family law matters without going to court

Not all divorces need to go to court. There could be a viable option for couples who want a more amicable approach to agreeing the terms of their divorce. Disagreements about finances, propertypensions and children can be emotionally fraught and highly stressful. Sometimes it's necessary for a judge to make a decision. More often than not though there's a more constructive, cost-effective alternative.

Dispute resolution

Out of court options have traditionally been known as Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) but they're now more mainstream so we increasingly use Non-Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR) or simply Dispute Resolution (DR). The main DR options are: 

Family mediationMediation keeps decisions about children and finances in your hands. The mediator is impartial, acting as a referee and managing the process. Mediators can give legal information but not advice. 

CollaborationCollaborative discussions take place in a series of meetings. You're both supported throughout by your own independent collaborative lawyer with everyone working together to help you reach an agreement.

ArbitrationFamily arbitration is effectively private judging. Unlike with mediation or collaborative options, the decision about any dispute is made for you, but the process is a lot more flexible and quicker than going to court. The arbitrator's decision is binding.

NegotiationIf there is anything that you and your partner cannot agree about negotiation will be involved, whether you're mediating, in collaborative meetings, at court or in arbitration. 

Private FDRs and Early Neutral Evaluation:  A private FDR helps divorcing couples resolve financial disputes privately, quickly, and cost-effectively with a neutral judge’s guidance.

Litigation: When you can't resolve your dispute out of court, you might have to apply to the Family Court to get help from a judge to come to an agreeement. 

Separating using one lawyer

Get the same legal advice from one lawyer, together. With our Separate well together with one lawyer service, you and your ex can get the same legal advice together, reach an agreement about all of the legal issues arising from your separation and have that agreement recorded in legal documents by your lawyer and approved by the court where necessary.

Out-of-court settlements

We will listen to and work with you to find the best way forward. We recognise that there’s nearly always a wider picture, particularly if you have children and know from experience that it's parental conflict rather than the divorce itself that can be most damaging for children. A court battle nearly always increases that conflict and makes it much more difficult for parents to maintain the best relationship they can with their children during the divorce and in the years to come.

That’s why we place such importance on avoiding court, whether we're advising you on issues specifically relating to the children or dealing with the financial consequences of your separation. And it's why so many of our family law experts have trained as mediators, collaborative practitioners and arbitrators. No other major family and children team can match this commitment. 

We stand out from the crowd when it comes to helping you choose the approach that is best for you and your family. Sometimes that will need to be court, but we'll do everything we can to reduce hostility during your divorce, encourage communication and get the right outcome for you. 

Ready to talk to us?

Our team of specialist family lawyers are here to support you if you're facing issues related to dispute resolution. Speak to our team today. 

Our family lawyers

What others say about us

  • An impressive team with a number of excellent mediators in London and elsewhere, like Oxford and Cambridge. Equally good at finance and children work and all the partners are bright, clear and good to deal with. They have strong mediators too and are always in my top three of recommended mediators.
    Legal 500
  • Alison Bull is one of my go-to lawyers whether for collaborative, arbitration, mediation or as a lawyer to partner in a case. She has top scores on the key attributes: hard work and a focus on the client above all, technical ability and judgement, connection to the client and to allied services, and use of knowledge of settlement skills.
    Legal 500
  • Suzanne Kingston is hugely experienced in mediation and arbitration. A good choice for a high-net-worth mediation, particularly using the hybrid model.
    Legal 500
  • Joanna Grandfield is calm, assured, knowledgeable and very skilled. She is my go-to mediator.
    Legal 500
  • Tim Whitney is a very experienced practitioner and his day to day practice as a family lawyer makes him a strong mediator as he has a clear understanding of the law and the approach of the courts.
    Legal 500

Resources

Explaining family law podcast

Facing a family law issue and not sure what's involved? Our podcast is the right place to start.

Family and children blog

Our family and children law blog provides practical advice and insight on a wide range of topics by our family and children lawyers.

Family law vlogger YouTube

On our YouTube channel, Caitlin Jenkins, the Family Law Vlogger gives you guidance on your first step in sorting out your issues.

Dispute resolution FAQs

Contact our team today

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