Dispute Resolution

Our team of experienced practitioners offer Arbitrations, Private FDRs and Early Neutral Evaluations for financial remedy matters and private law cases relating to children.

Private FDRs

Private FDRs are becoming increasingly popular in high, medium and moderate asset cases. A Private FDR at FOURTEEN offers significant advantages over a traditional FDR at court, most notably:

  • Most cases settle at a Private FDR. The FDR ‘judge’ will have read the papers and be fully focused on the parties’ case without the constraints on time that have become common at court. A Private FDR will usually take place over the course of a day.
  • They take place in comfortable surroundings in our modern conference rooms in Chambers with tea, coffee and refreshments provided throughout the day.  They can also take place at an external venue at a time and place that suits the parties.
  • Arrangements are flexible and can accommodate attendance by video link.
  • They are conducted by expert financial remedy practitioners, chosen by the parties to ensure that the FDR ‘judge’ suits the parties’ budget and the complexity of the case.
  • They can take place at any time including prior to the start of proceedings.
  • They can address both money and child arrangements on the same occasion.

The following barristers all offer Private FDRs:

To receive further information on the services we offer, please contact our clerks by email or by telephone on 020 7242 0858.

 

Arbitration

Arbitration is a form of private dispute resolution that takes place outside of the court process.  The parties agree to appoint a suitably-qualified impartial person (“the arbitrator”) and engage in a flexible, and confidential process tailored to their requirements to resolve their dispute without having to go to court.  They agree to be bound by the arbitrator’s decision (“the award”). The arbitrator will act fairly and impartially, giving each party the opportunity to put their case.

At the end of the process, the arbitrator will provide a clear, reasoned written decision applying the law of England and Wales, just as a judge would do.

Arbitration is a good alternative for those who cannot resolve their family law issues through mediation or negotiation. It differs from other forms of non-court dispute resolution (such as mediation or collaborative law), in that the parties are guaranteed a decision at the conclusion of the process which will be binding upon them.

The decision of the arbitrator will be recognised and respected by the court, and will be made an order of the court upon request.

Martin Ward is qualified to arbitrate your financial matter.

Damian Stuart is an IFLA approved arbitrator for Children Act proceedings.

Seema Kansal can advocate in an arbitration.

To receive further information on the services we offer, please contact our clerks by email or by telephone on 020 7242 0858.

 

Specialists in Private FDR/ENE