Family ADR

What ADR means in family law

Alternative Dispute Resolution is simply a different way of resolving family issues without asking a court to make decisions for you. Instead, you and your former partner are supported to talk things through with the help of a trained professional. The process is voluntary, private and designed to feel more approachable than formal court proceedings.

ADR can help you work through important issues such as:

• Financial settlements and division of property
• Child arrangements, routines and communication
• Ongoing parenting responsibilities
• Practical decisions that need to be made after separation
• Complex financial or family situations

ADR gives you more control over the pace and tone of discussions, and many people find that this makes the whole experience feel calmer and more manageable. It can ease any tension, create a safer space for honest conversations and help you stay focused on finding a solution that works for everyone involved. 

The ADR services we offer

It’s completely normal to feel unsure about which route to take. As one of the region’s larger family law teams, we’re able to offer you a choice of several ADR services, and we’ll explain each one clearly so you understand what it involves. Our job is to help you find the approach that gives you confidence, keeps stress to a minimum and supports the outcome you’re hoping for.

Family mediation

Family mediation provides a calm and confidential space for you to discuss the issues that need to be resolved, with the support of an accredited mediator. The mediator remains neutral throughout. They do not take sides or tell you what to do, but help guide the conversation so both of you are heard and understood.

Mediation can be particularly helpful when you want to focus on solutions rather than conflict. It allows you to explore arrangements for your children, agree on how finances should be divided and make practical decisions about the future. Many couples find that mediation helps reduce tension, improve communication and lead to more workable, long-lasting agreements.

If you reach an understanding, your solicitor can help turn those discussions into a legally binding document.

Collaborative law

Collaborative law offers a structured approach where both of you work with your own collaboratively trained solicitor. All discussions take place in joint meetings, with everyone committed to resolving matters without going to court. This keeps the process open, respectful and focused on finding solutions that meet your family’s needs.

Having your own solicitor present provides reassurance and tailored advice at every stage, while still keeping conversations constructive. Collaborative law can be especially helpful in situations involving detailed financial arrangements, or when maintaining a positive working relationship, for example, as co-parents, is important.

Resolution Together

Resolution Together is a modern approach that allows one specially trained lawyer to work with both people jointly. This can be a suitable option when there is trust, openness and a shared desire to reach an agreement efficiently. Receiving guidance from one lawyer often makes the process clearer, reduces misunderstandings and helps keep communication balanced.

While Resolution Together is not appropriate in every situation, it can offer a supportive and cost-effective way forward where both people feel able to progress together.

Family arbitration

Family arbitration provides a private, flexible alternative to court when a binding decision is needed. An independent arbitrator, chosen by both of you, listens to your positions and decides on the issues you ask them to consider.

Arbitration can be helpful when you have reached an impasse on a particular point or when court delays are causing uncertainty. The process is typically quicker, more flexible and more private than litigation, while still giving you a clear and final outcome. Our family law team can guide you through appointing an arbitrator and support you throughout the process.

Why do so many families choose ADR?

Our alternative dispute resolution services offer several important benefits for separating couples and families. Many people tell us that what they value most is the calmer, more personal nature of the process. Instead of feeling like you are preparing for a court battle, you are given space to talk things through with guidance, support and a focus on practical solutions. 

At Nelsons, we have one of the largest teams of specialist family law solicitors in the East Midlands, which includes accredited mediator Gayle Rowley and Resolution Together-trained and collaborative lawyer Emma Davies. Our mediators and collaborative lawyers have many years of experience and knowledge as specialist family lawyers who can assist with the relevant ADR process. Our team provides specialist legal advice to a variety of clients, including high-net-worth persons with complex business and personal assets, families and stay-at-home parents, across the region, nationally and abroad.

Some of the advantages include:

• A calmer approach – Conversations take place in a supportive environment where you can take things at a pace that feels manageable. This often reduces tension and helps you focus on the issues that matter most.
• Lower costs – ADR is usually more affordable than court proceedings, which can ease financial pressure during an already stressful time.
• Privacy – Everything discussed stays between those involved, helping you maintain your privacy and dignity.
• More control – You have a say in the topics you discuss, how quickly things progress and what the final agreement looks like.
• Better long-term communication – ADR encourages clearer, more respectful dialogue, which can make ongoing co-parenting or future contact easier to manage.

Alongside these practical benefits, many families appreciate the tone of the process itself. Our alternative dispute resolution services allow you to speak openly, hear each other’s perspectives and work towards outcomes that feel realistic and fair, without the pressure of a court setting. With the right guidance, it often becomes easier to reduce misunderstandings, stay focused on solutions and make decisions that support your future and your children’s wellbeing.

Please note that we can only advise on a Legal Aid basis for public law/care proceedings.

When ADR may not be right for you

We understand that ADR isn’t the right choice for everyone. It may not feel suitable if you don’t feel safe, if talking things through would be too difficult, or if communication has broken down to a point where discussions wouldn’t be fair or productive. That’s perfectly fine; each family’s situation is unique. If you’re unsure about whether ADR is right for you, or you feel worried about which direction to take, please get in touch with us. Our team will listen, talk you through your options and help you work out the approach that best fits your circumstances. We’re here to support you, whatever route you take.

Why Work With Us

At Nelsons, our team has been recognised as Tier One by the independently researched publication The Legal 500. It also includes Resolution Accredited Specialists, Law Society Family Panel & Advanced Family Panel members, as well as Law Society Children Panel Members.

We know that choosing how to resolve things after a separation can feel confusing, and it’s completely normal not to know which ADR option is right for you. When you come to us, we’ll take the time to talk everything through with you, explain your choices in plain English and help you decide on the approach that feels the most comfortable and manageable for your situation.

When you work with us, you can expect:

• Clear explanations at every stage
• A space where you can talk openly and feel listened to
• Practical guidance shaped around your needs
• Support to help you reach fair, realistic agreements

We’re here to help you move forward in a way that feels safe and constructive. If you’re unsure which ADR option might suit you best, please get in touch. You can give our experts a call on 0800 024 1976 or contact us online, and a member of our team will talk through our alternative dispute resolution service with you.

Our team is also ranked in Tier One by the independently researched publication, The Legal 500, and includes:

• Resolution Accredited Specialists
• Law Society Family Panel & Advanced Family Panel members
• Law Society Children Panel Members

To find out more about our family alternative dispute resolution services, please get in touch with our team in Derby, Leicester and Nottingham via our online enquiry form or call 0800 024 1976.

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