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Non-Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR)
At Myerson, our team of highly skilled lawyers provide expert services to keep your matter outside of the court system, helping to resolve disputes efficiently and sensitively. We are recognised as a Top Tier firm by the Legal 500 and ranked among the Top 200 UK Law Firms, with our family team often singled out for praise.
Introduction to NCDR at Myerson
At Myerson, we recognise that not every family law dispute requires court intervention. Our approach promotes Non-Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR), also known as Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), which provides a more constructive, private, and cost-effective solution for families, particularly when children are involved.
Whether you're dealing with separation, finances on divorce, child arrangements, or just managing complex family dynamics, NCDR can offer you greater control, reduced stress, and lasting agreements tailored to your family's unique needs.
Why Choose NCDR?
- Faster outcomes compared to court proceedings
- Confidential and private processes
- Less adversarial, preserving family relationships
- More cost-effective
- More control over outcomes and decisions
- Flexible solutions that reflect your real-life priorities
Why Choose Myerson?
At Myerson, our experienced and empathetic family lawyers are dedicated to resolving disputes with dignity, care, and professionalism.
We recognise that there is no “one size fits all” approach, and we are proud to offer all major NCDR services under one roof, including mediation, collaborative law, Private FDRs, arbitration, and roundtable meetings – all delivered in our purpose-built, private NCDR suite.
As proud members of Resolution, we follow a strict Code of Practice that prioritises respectful negotiation, child-focused outcomes, and promotes the reduction of conflict wherever possible.
Choosing Myerson means working with experts committed to ethical, constructive, and cost-effective solutions tailored to your family's needs.
Family Mediation
Mediation is a confidential, voluntary, and structured process where a trained mediator helps you and your former partner resolve issues, such as finances or child arrangements, without going to court. It focuses on open communication and mutual decision-making.
Unlike a judge, a mediator doesn't take sides or impose decisions. Instead, they facilitate a structured conversation to help you find common ground and practical solutions.
What's Involved?
- MIAM (Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting) to assess suitability
- Joint sessions to explore practical solutions
- Memorandum of Understanding summarising any agreement
Why Mediate?
- Quicker, cheaper, and less stressful than court
- Private, future-focused, and child-centred
- Voluntary but actively encouraged by courts
Jane Tenquist
Head of Family Law
Meet the Mediator
Jane Tenquist, head of our family team, is a highly experienced family solicitor and mediator who leads our mediation services with warmth, professionalism, and over 35 years of expertise. Sessions are available in-person or remotely and take place in our well-equipped Non-Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR) suite.
See full Bio Contact mePrivate Financial Dispute Resolution Appointment (Private FDR)
A Private FDR is a confidential meeting where a neutral legal expert helps separating couples resolve financial issues, such as property, maintenance, or pensions.
It is used as a substitute for a court-based hearing, known as an FDR. Outside of the court process, it is also sometimes referred to as an Early Neutral Evaluation.
How It Works
- You and your partner will agree on a venue and time for the evaluation
- An independent jointly selected evaluator will give an informal opinion on the settlement. The evaluator will be an experienced financial remedy barrister or a deputy district judge with experience of handling financial cases in court
- This evaluation encourages constructive negotiation aimed at reaching a resolution
Benefits
- Often quicker and more flexible than the court
- Takes place in a private setting, which can prove more comfortable than a court
- Confidential and less confrontational
- Greater control over timing and outcome
- Can narrow issues, even if full agreement isn't reached
Our team provides full guidance throughout the process, including help in selecting the right evaluator. Sessions are hosted in our private NCDR suite or online.
Arbitration
Arbitration is a private, legally binding alternative to court, ideal for resolving family, financial or child-related disputes.
What's Involved?
- Both parties agree to appoint an independent arbitrator. In default of agreement, the arbitrator can be selected by the Institute of Family Law Arbitrators.
- Subject to the issues in dispute, an arbitration can take place at a suitable venue and time convenient for the couple, in the presence of the arbitrator.
- Once all the relevant evidence is submitted, a final, binding decision is made, known as an arbitral award, which is then converted into a financial order to be approved by the court.
Arbitration can be used for finance or children's matters (assuming there are no safeguarding issues).
Benefits
- Faster than the court
- Privacy
- Confidential and flexible
- Tailored process with chosen arbitrator
- A binding outcome, enforceable by a court
Our team can represent you throughout the process, helping you choose the right arbitrator and ensuring that any award is formalised efficiently.
Roundtable Meetings
Roundtable meetings involve both parties and their solicitors sitting down to resolve disputes through open, lawyer-supported discussions.
Structure
- Pre-meeting preparation and agenda
- Structured discussions, either in-person or remotely
- Aims to resolve or narrow issues
Benefits
- Often faster than court or written negotiations
- Solution-focused discussions
- Lower cost and more control over the process
We support clients before, during, and after roundtable meetings, which can take place in our NCDR suite or via video call.
Collaborative Law
Collaborative Law allows both parties and their solicitors to work together through structured meetings to reach an agreement, without going to court.
How It Works
- Each person appoints a trained collaborative lawyer
- All sign a contract agreeing not to go to court
- A series of face-to-face "four-way" meetings take place
- Agreements are made into legally binding documents
Benefits
- Private and respectful process
- Helps preserve long-term co-parenting relationships
- Focuses on sustainable, child-centred outcomes
- If the process breaks down, both solicitors step aside, ensuring that all parties are committed to a resolution.
Our team of collaborative solicitors are trained, experienced, and focused on achieving the best outcomes for families.
NCDR Facilities at Myerson
We know the right environment can help reduce conflict and promote resolution. That's why we've created a modern, professional NCDR suite designed specifically to support our clients to resolve their conflicts outside of the court process. .
Features
- Multiple private breakout rooms
- Multiple private breakout rooms
- Secure tech for digital presentations
- Remote participation facilities
- Soundproofing to ensure confidentiality
- Comfortable waiting areas and ample refreshments
- Friendly staff
Tailored for Resolution
Our suite is utilised by clients across all NCDR services, including mediation, arbitration, Private FDRs, roundtables, and collaborative meetings, creating the ideal setting for constructive outcomes.
"I attended a private FDR at the firm in my role as the judge and was struck by the quality of the setting.
The offices are spacious, light-filled, and finished to a high standard, creating a calm and professional atmosphere. Counsel had ample space to work and confer privately, and the environment helped all participants feel at ease.
It is an excellent venue for focused negotiation and effective resolution."
- Phillip Blatchly of 1 Hare Court
Why Choose Myerson?
At Myerson, we understand that family matters are deeply personal and often complex. Our expert team offers clear, compassionate legal advice while delivering strong, strategic representation in even the most challenging situations.
Recognised Expertise and Professional Standards
Recognised in the Legal 500 as a leading family law firm, our team is recognised and trusted for its expertise in complex, high-value divorce and family disputes both in the region and nationwide.
We are proud members of Resolution, the UK's foremost organisation for family lawyers, committed to resolving matters in a constructive, non-confrontational, and child-focused way.
Comprehensive Service and Collaborative Approach
We offer all major Non-Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR) services in-house, including mediation, arbitration, collaborative law, roundtable meetings, and Private FDRs, providing clients with flexible options for resolving disputes outside of court.
Our family team works closely with colleagues in property, corporate, commercial and employment law, ensuring your wider financial and business interests are fully protected.
As a full-service firm operating from a single site, our departments communicate effectively and efficiently, delivering seamless client service.
A Tailored, Partner-Led Service
You will benefit from a partner-led approach, ensuring direct access to senior expertise and consistent guidance throughout your matter.
Our large and well-resourced team allows us to meet urgent deadlines and handle the most demanding cases with speed and care.
We use modern legal technology to provide responsive, streamlined service - whether you're local, national, or international.
Purpose-Built for Comfort and Resolution
All NCDR services are hosted in our purpose-built NCDR suite, designed to provide clients with a calm, private, and professional environment where sensitive issues can be resolved with dignity and discretion
Keeping You Informed
We provide regular legal insights through our blog, social media, podcast and local radio appearances, helping you stay informed and empowered throughout your legal journey.
To find out more about how we work, explore the Myerson Promise.
FAQs
What is Non-Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR) in family law?
Non-Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR) refers to ways of resolving family disputes outside of court. It includes processes such as mediation, arbitration, collaborative law, roundtable meetings, and Private Financial Dispute Resolution Appointments (Private FDRs). NCDR is typically faster, more private, and less adversarial than court proceedings.
Is NCDR the same as Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)?
Yes it is. The family court have started referring to ADR as Non-Court Dispute Resolution, in part to emphasise that parties should be encouraged to keep their family disputes out of the court system.
What types of ADR does Myerson offer?
We offer all major forms of ADR under one roof:
- Mediation
- Private Financial Dispute Resolution (Private FDR)
- Arbitration
- Roundtable Meetings
- Collaborative Law
All services are available in-person or remotely and are hosted in our dedicated NCDR suite for comfort, privacy, and professionalism.
Can I attend NCDR sessions remotely?
Yes. All our NCDR services are available remotely, including mediation, Private FDRs, and roundtable meetings. We use secure video conferencing tools and hybrid facilities to ensure accessibility and comfort for all clients.
What is an MIAM, and do I have to attend one?
A MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) is a short, confidential meeting to assess whether mediation is suitable for your situation. In most cases, attending an MIAM is required before you can make a court application in family proceedings - unless exemptions apply (e.g., domestic abuse or urgency).
Is mediation legally binding?
Mediation itself is not legally binding. However, if an agreement is reached, it can be formalised into a legally binding document (such as a consent order) with the help of your solicitor.
What is a Private Financial Dispute Resolution (Private FDR)?
A Private FDR is a voluntary process where a neutral legal expert (usually a senior barrister or retired judge) provides an informal opinion on what a court might decide in your financial dispute. It's confidential, quicker than court, and encourages settlement through constructive negotiation.
What is the difference between arbitration and going to court?
Arbitration is akin to a court process, but it occurs in private. An impartial arbitrator makes a legally binding decision regarding your dispute, known as an arbitral award. This method is often quicker, more flexible, and is also confidential, making it a favoured option for financial issues and matters involving children.
What are roundtable meetings?
Roundtable meetings bring together both parties and their solicitors for face-to-face or online discussions, enabling them to negotiate and resolve issues in real time. This approach fosters a more collaborative and efficient environment compared to the lengthy exchanges of correspondence or the complexities of court litigation.
What is collaborative law, and how does it work?
Collaborative law is a process in which both parties hire specially trained collaborative solicitors and agree not to go to court. It involves a series of structured meetings, referred to as "four-way" meetings, where both parties collaborate to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. If the process fails, both solicitors must withdraw from the case, which strengthens the commitment to finding a resolution.
What happens if ADR doesn't work?
If an ADR process doesn't lead to full agreement, you can:
- Move on to another form of ADR
- Use progress made as a foundation for further negotiation
- Apply to court (your efforts at ADR will be acknowledged positively)
- In mediation, for example, the mediator will issue a certificate allowing a court application to proceed if necessary.
Meet Our Family Solicitors
Home-grown or recruited from national, regional or City firms. Our family lawyers are experts in their fields and respected by their peers.
Contact Our Experts
You can contact our lawyers below if you have any more questions or want more information:
0161 941 4000
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