25th November marks the start of Resolution’s “Family DR Week 2013”, which aims to promote awareness of the alternatives to Court proceedings to resolve disputes on family breakdown.

Resolution is an organisation of family lawyers and other professionals who believe in a constructive, non-confrontational approach to family law matters. All members of our family law department are members of Resolution. “Family DR” or “family dispute resolution” means reaching agreement on issues arising on family breakdown without using the Court.

Some cases need the assistance of the Court, for example, where there has been abuse, or where one party refuses to co-operate with a voluntary process, and we will always advise on pursuing that route where it is necessary. However, for many separating couples DR can help resolve issues in a constructive and cost-efficient way.  There are a number of different types of DR, and we work with each client to explore which option, if any, is most suited to them. In brief, the options are: mediation, collaborative law and arbitration. All of these options, if agreement is reached, end in a Court Order that is binding upon the parties.