Alternatives to court

Helping you find the most effective process (or blend of processes) to resolve issues arising from your divorce or separation away from court.

Whether your concerns relate to money, children or other matters, we will guide you in finding a path that works best for you, providing solutions that address both present and future needs.

We champion a fresh, forward-thinking approach at every step, enabling you to move forwards in a way that prioritises the best interests of both you and your family. We are a recognised industry leader in finding successful pathways through even the most fraught family issues beyond the confines of the court process. Our dedicated team comprises three skilled mediators, four collaborative lawyers, and a children arbitrator. Our meetings all take place in calm spaces conducive to helping you feel at ease and able to focus solely on the issues under discussion.

Mediation

Mediation is an increasingly popular forum for couples navigating separation or divorce and is actively encouraged by the courts.

Our team of mediators includes Head of Family, Joanne Edwards, Head of Children, Sarah Williams, and Senior Associate, Christine Abbotts. Joanne is one of only a handful of lawyers in London qualified to consult with children in mediation. Joanne, Sarah or Christine can act as a mediator for a separating couple or support you as an individual by offering legal advice within the mediation process.

Whether you attend in person or remotely, our dedicated team prioritises creating a harmonious space to help facilitate a productive discussion. They will guide you in the right direction, helping you navigate a route towards your own agreement. All mediation sessions are ‘confidential and privileged’, meaning that what you discuss can’t be repeated at court or between solicitors unless there is an agreement to do so.

The mediation process typically involves between 3-5 sessions of around 90 minutes each. Mediation can be the sole process used to resolve your separation or divorce, or it can be used as part of a wider set of options, even during court proceedings.

It’s never too late to explore mediation. With our experience, we can guide you on making the most of the process, enabling you to move forwards with clarity, confidence, and the support you need at every stage.

Mediators

Joanne Edwards

Partner, Head of Family

Sarah Williams

Partner, Head of Children

Christine Abbotts

Senior Associate, Family

Collaborative Practice

Collaborative practice offers a solution for couples seeking to resolve financial and child-related matters outside of the courts with the support of their lawyers. The separating couple, together with their solicitors, discuss matters in a confidential setting in a series of meetings – designed to reach an agreement that benefits the whole family. Our dedicated team includes four collaboratively trained specialists – Joanne Edwards, Simon Blain, Amanda Sandys, and Christine Abbotts – all highly skilled in resolving issues through the collaborative process. They regularly work alongside leading collaborative family lawyers across London to achieve constructive and sensitive outcomes tailored to the priorities and needs of each family.

Collaborative Practitioners

Joanne Edwards

Partner, Head of Family

Simon Blain

Partner, Family

Amanda Sandys

Counsel, Family

Christine Abbotts

Senior Associate, Family

Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE)

We understand that resolving disputes efficiently and privately are key priorities for many separating couples. An Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE) or Private Financial Dispute Resolution appointment (private FDR) involves the separating couple selecting and privately hiring a judge for a day to provide an indication of the likely outcome if the case is litigated, helping couples to make informed choices without the pressures of the court environment. Success rates are high, and our clients often reach swift agreement, keeping affairs completely private whilst saving against the cost, delay and uncertainty associated with litigation.

We work closely with the most experienced and respected private FDR judges in the field. Drawing on our deep understanding of their individual styles and strengths, we can provide tailored advice on selecting the judge best suited to the unique dynamics of your case – ensuring a process that is both effective and strategically aligned with your aims.

Arbitration

We understand that resolving disputes can be deeply challenging, especially when sensitive matters such as finances or children’s wellbeing are at stake. Arbitration is a practical and effective alternative to court proceedings, which offers couples the opportunity to appoint a private judge who will make a binding decision for both financial matters and most disputes concerning children. Our Head of Children, Sarah Williams, is a qualified arbitrator, and can be appointed to adjudicate children disputes.

At Forsters, we can explain the nuance of the process, help you choose your arbitrator, and safely guide you through every stage of the arbitration proceedings.

Get in touch with one of the team to explore your options and learn more about how we can help.

Arbitrators