Introducing: Private Financial Dispute Resolution (pFDR)

At a Private Financial Dispute Resolution (pFDR) the parties agree to meet privately in a formal setting in order to attempt to resolve their dispute. 

In many ways the pFDR appointment will feel akin to a court hearing. There will be the financial remedy expert practitioner (the “FR Expert”), who will give you an indication as to the merits of each party’s position. The documentation used for pFDR will be the same as the documentation you would use for a Judicial court based FDR. You will be represented by your legal counsel who will have provided position statements. Your solicitors will have provided a bundle, ES2, ES1 and formal offers that have been made.

The Private FDR service is suitable where both parties are represented or where one party is represented and they provide the necessary bundle for the FR Expert.

The unrepresented party is welcome to bring a suitable friend or McKenzie friend to assist them.

Private Financial Dispute Resolution - One of the Non Court Dispute Resolution options from Family First Solicitors - Oxford London

Key features of a Private Financial Dispute Resolution (pFDR)

  • Your FR Expert will have in built reading time of up to 4 hours. This is likely to be the day before your pFDR
  • You will be welcomed and invited to assemble in a private comfortable space provided by us.
  • Each party will have a breakout room where you and your legal advisors can base themselves throughout the day.
  • as well as an  all parties meeting room when the time comes to put your case.
  • Light catering will be provided throughout the day.
  • The day will begin with your representatives’ making submissions on your behalf and explaining the nuances of your position by giving the FR Expert submissions about your case.
  • A verbal indication by your FR Expert will be given. Clarifications can be sought and explored by your representatives.
  • There will be a discussion and negotiation time with your FR Expert on hand throughout the day to assist.
  • If settlement is reached there will be time given to drafting an order including any intervention by the FR Expert if the wording of the order is not agreed.
  • Our pFDR’s  costs include parking, venue, refreshments, Wifi and clerking assistance as necessary.
  • Should there be no settlement, a statement will be provided confirming that Non Court Dispute Resolution was attempted which will satisfy the court that you have met the rules on NCDR.

Our costs for pFDR are £2500 – £5000 depending on the complexity of the case.

Call 0333 444 0003 to discuss your needs and whether the service is suitable for you.

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What other forms of Non Court Dispute Resolution are available?

At Family First we offer several Non Court Dispute Resolution options. Some are suitable for before court, some both before and during court proceedings. We can help you with:

Resolution Together - Single Solicitor Divorce. One of the Non Court Dispute Resolution - NCDR - options from Family First Solicitors - Oxford London

Single Solicitor Service

Two parties: one lawyer. This is a relatively amicable solution, but you need some legal assistance before arriving at a final settlement. Takes place before any court proceedings are started.

Mediation Oxford - Family First Solicitors - Picking Sides

Mediation

Mediation involves a trained facilitator to help you negotiate from scratch, or to negotiate at any point during the court process. Mediation can take place before or during court proceedings.

Early Neutral Evaluation - One of the Non Court Dispute Resolution - NCDR - options from Family First Solicitors - Oxford London

Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE)

An independent written opinion of the strengths and weaknesses of each party’s case by a specialist senior Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive. Takes place before any court proceedings are started.

Private Financial Dispute Resolution - One of the Non Court Dispute Resolution options from Family First Solicitors - Oxford London

Private Financial Dispute Resolution Hearing (pFDR)

Takes place after a court has agreed that you can try  to resolve your dispute in this way. You usually have a court order that permits you to exit the court process for a short while.

Children and NCDR

NCDR does apply to child matters as well, although where there are safeguarding concerns it is unlikely to be an appropriate process.

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Call us now

Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm

Out of hours?

Fill in the form and we'll call you.

Ready to Book?

Book your initial meeting for £180