NCDR in family law: alternatives to court explained

In this episode, family partner Hannah Field sits down with divorce consultant Rhiannon Ford to explore the increasing emphasis on non‑court dispute resolution (NCDR), a trend driven in part by persistent court delays and mounting pressure on the family justice system.

The conversation covers:

• What NCDR involves and the reasons it is being promoted more widely
• The difficulties of court proceedings, from long waiting times to environments that may not suit families
• Misunderstandings about the need to go to court
• The full spectrum of NCDR options, including mediation, hybrid mediation and shuttle mediation
• How legal and emotional support can enhance the mediation process
• What child‑inclusive mediation looks like and the benefits it offers families
• Circumstances where NCDR may not be suitable, particularly where safeguarding issues arise
• The place of private FDRs within the broader NCDR framework
• How arbitration works as a quicker, more adaptable alternative to court
• Why client choice and informed decision‑making remain central throughout the process