non-court dispute resolution

The national rollout of Child Focused Courts promises faster, more child-centred outcomes in private law cases, reducing delay and conflict. Early pilot results are positive, but concerns remain around resources, consistency and long-term sustainability. Rebecca Hawkins explores how the the model must balance speed with quality, ensure access to legal advice, and integrate non-court dispute resolution as a central, not secondary, pathway.

Rebecca Hawkins and Sarah Smith of the Resolution Parenting After Parting committee passionately believe in the the value of a joined-up, supportive team of family professionals who share a common ethos. Separation is never just legal, and early collaboration between lawyers, mediators, therapists, financial advisers and child-inclusive mediators helps families feel informed, supported and heard. Working together, rather than in opposition, leads to healthier decisions and better long-term outcomes for parents and children.

Lesley Edelstein take a light-hearted look at what it would have been like representing Henry VIII as the ultimate high-stakes divorce client. Beneath the Tudor theatrics, it highlights the value of working as a team and adherence to Resolution’s Code when managing difficult clients while staying ethical, constructive and focused on long-term outcomes.

Is there a “right” way to resolve family disputes and when does court become the default? Claire Colbert reflects on a recent MIAM experience and asks whether clients are always fully informed or encouraged to engage meaningfully with the different NCDR alternatives before court becomes the focus.

There are a number of techniques that can be used to make negotiations more constructive, less heated, and better aligned with both parties needs

When faced with tactical delaying in family law proceedings, the spectre of a judicial order to explain why NCDR processes are being declined can be a powerful tool

Enhancing private dispute resolution for families

Enhancing client skills for successful outcomes by way of pre-mediation coaching

When we understand the fundamental ingredients of the process, a surprisingly wide variety of scenarios become “mediatable”

“Use my experience and knowledge to guide clients through the options available to them”

Promoting legal wellbeing and empowerment through visual learning Courtney is the first audio-visual law library in this country, featuring short animations of hearings and NCDR sessions

Allowing the parties time to about the past is a crucial stage and scene-setter for successful me...

For any number of reasons and client circumstances, an integrated team can be a hugely powerful approach to mediation

“Stay calm, think flexibly and focus on the outcome!”

In this issue of The Review we wanted to shine a spotlight on Resolution Together – the new way o...

Support for the vulnerable is a thread that runs through Resolution’s work and our Vision for Family Justice. We’ve asked our domestic abuse committee to share their thoughts on what members should keep in mind in everyday practice.

An important part of the service we offer clients should be timely consideration of what happens ...

Changes to the Family Procedure Rules are due to come into force at the end of April 2024 with an...

We need to dispel the myth that a MIAM is all about mediation – it is all about giving the separating parties the information they need, and fits perfectly into the finding solutions part of Resolution’s Vision