Non-court dispute resolution (NCDR) explained

In this episode, Kate Daly is joined by Stephen Wildblood, King’s Counsel and a playwright, to discuss non-court dispute resolution (NCDR).

Non-court dispute resolution (NCDR) explained

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About the episode

Kate and Stephen start by unpacking what NCDR (non-court dispute resolution) is, the main types available and the key benefits of choosing this route over going to court to finalise a divorce. From there, they explore why NCDR isn’t as widely considered as it could be, and discuss simple ways to raise its profile with the public. Stephen then shares how the plays he writes are helping to shine a light on NCDR — and why this creative approach is such an effective way to spread awareness. Finally, we look ahead, imagining other ways to reach a wider audience and ensure NCDR becomes the go-to choice for untying the knot.

A summary of what we cover:

• Main types of NCDR and their key benefits
• Why NCDR isn’t as widely considered as it could be during divorce
• Unorthodox ways to make NCDR people’s first choice when separating

What is non-court dispute resolution?

Non-court dispute resolution (NCDR) simply means finding ways to sort out separation, parenting or money issues without going to court. It’s about keeping family decisions out of a courtroom and in the hands of the people who live with the consequences. The idea is not that court is never needed but that it should be a last resort, used only when other more constructive options haven’t worked.

The court encourages the use of NCDR because it often leads to faster, more amicable, and more cost-effective outcomes.

Realities of family court proceedings

Family court is often far more demanding than people expect. It can take a long time, cost a great deal of money and place families in an adversarial process at an already painful moment in their lives. The environment can feel intimidating, delays are common and very personal details may be examined in depth. Many people assume that the court will quickly 'sort things out', but in reality it can increase stress and conflict. This is why so many families benefit from exploring non-court options first.

Main types of NCDR

There are a few main ways people resolve issues without court.

• Mediation helps couples talk things through with the support of a neutral professional and reach their own agreement.
• Arbitration involves choosing an experienced specialist to make a clear decision on a specific issue, similar to a judge, but in a more focused and timely way.
• Collaborative law involves both people instructing specially trained solicitors to work together to reach a settlement without going to court.
• Early neutral evaluation gives people an expert view on what is likely to happen if they went to court, which often helps unblock difficult conversations.
• Private financial dispute resolution (FDR) brings separating couples together with an expert to work towards a financial settlement once all the information is on the table.
• Legal services like amicable provide a structured, fixed-fee way for couples to reach agreement together and get legal documents drafted, with support from a Divorce Specialist.

Where does amicable fit in NCDR?

amicable fits within non-court dispute resolution by giving separating couples a clear, supportive way to sort things out without going to court. While NCDR is often described as a small number of formal processes, amicable shows that there are other effective ways to help families reach agreement. It supports people to work through parenting and money decisions together and then helps turn those agreements into the legal paperwork (a consent order) needed to make them official. Our focus is on flexibility, fairness and keeping the process as calm and manageable as possible.

About our guest

Stephen Wildblood KC was the Designated Family Judge for the Bristol area for ten years before stepping down in November 2023. He continues to sit as a Judge, part-time, in the Family and High Courts. He practised as a Family barrister for 27 years – the last eight and a half as a KC. His practice was divided equally between children and financial remedy cases.

Stephen has written for over 20 legal textbooks and regularly lectures on all aspects of family law. He and Dr Freda Gardner (a consultant clinical psychologist) have set up a business which helps couples resolve family issues relating to money and children without litigation. They are both trained mediators.

Stephen is a qualified Family arbitrator in relation to children and financial issues. He has joined 3 PB barristers' chambers as an associate member offering private financial hearings, early neutral evaluation and arbitration. You’ll learn more about this in the podcast episode. He is a man of many talents and is a playwright and author too. He believes that going to court should be a last resort in divorce and children cases.

You can learn more about Stephen and get in touch with him through Gardner Wildblood LLP or 3 Paper Buildings.

More divorce resources

Need expert help right now?

Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert for guidance on the legal, financial or emotional aspects of separation. Or explore our Separating with Children Service – a 90-minute joint session with a Co-parenting Specialist tailored to your family’s needs.

At amicable, we can take care of the entire process for you, from beginning to end. If you need support reaching a fair agreement on money and property, our Negotiation Services help reduce conflict, stress and cost.

Kate’s book amicable divorce is a practical, compassionate guide to a kinder separation. It includes dedicated chapters on the legal process, finances, communication, wellbeing and putting children first during separation. Find it on Amazon today.

Want to stay organised as co-parents?

Download our free Parenting Plan template to help you and your co-parent agree on shared goals, routines and decision-making – with your children at the centre.

We also have a co-parenting app that helps you keep on top of schedules, budgets, communication and much more.

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