Private FDR.

Private FDRs – Private Financial Dispute Resolution Solicitors.

When trying to agree a financial settlement, court proceedings can often feel overwhelming, stressful and emotionally draining but the lawyers at Lanyon Bowdler can help.

We will do everything in our power to help you find a solution away from the courts and can advise you on the different options including a private Financial Dispute Resolution (FDR), to help you avoid lengthy and prolonged court proceedings and encourage an early and swift conclusion to your dispute.

For specialist legal advice, contact our trusted family lawyers today to find the best way forward for you and your loved ones.

What is a Private FDR?

A private Financial Dispute Resolution (FDR) is a means of reaching an agreement on your financial settlement away from the formality and protraction of the court process, which takes place in three stages.

First appointment

This is an initial court hearing to identify the information that will be required and to determine a schedule and timescale for further hearings.

Financial Dispute Resolution Appointment (FDRA)

This is the second hearing to allow the evidence from both parties to be heard and considered by the court. An early agreement will be encouraged at this stage to avoid the need for further action.

Final hearing

If a settlement has not been agreed by the two parties by this point, the judge will make a definitive and legally binding decision at the final hearing, based on all the evidence previously presented.

A private FDR is a much quicker and more efficient process and is often concluded within a day. If both parties are willing to proceed, they hire a senior family lawyer, such as a judge or barrister, who will consider all the evidence and offer guidance on the likely judgment of a court.

They will have received all the relevant information prior to the appointment and will listen to the reasoning from each side. Negotiations between the opposing parties can then be carried out in a bid to reach a satisfactory settlement. Where an agreement cannot be reached, the judge will advise on the most suitable outcome to once again help the opposing parties reach a decision.

It is important to note that a private FDR judge can only take an advisory role in these proceedings and will not be able to decide the case but, in the majority of instances, a settlement is reached based on this guidance.

A private FDR is also known as an Early Neutral Evaluation and can be held before court proceedings have begun or very early on in the legal process.

Our Private FDR Expertise

With a high level of experience in this area, the family law specialists at Lanyon Bowdler can act on your behalf at all stages of your private FDR. Contact us today.

How we can help

We can help you to achieve the best financial settlement possible through meticulous preparation of the evidence, expert representation of your case in front of the judge and by providing honest and clear advice to you about your legal position and the best approach to the negotiations.

Our contacts right across the industry mean that we are able to advise you about appropriate legal experts who would be well-placed to listen to your case with the fairness and professionalism you should expect.

We are proud to be recognised as one of the region’s leading family law firms having been selected as one of the recommended legal practices The Legal 500 national guide and the most recent edition of Chambers UK.

This level of recognition is testament to the excellent level of service we provide and the outstanding results that we frequently achieve.

Our legal team also includes accredited specialists of Resolution, the national organisation of family lawyers, as well as members of the Law Society Family Panel to provide you with reassurance that your financial settlement is in safe hands.

Why we care

While our lawyers are recognised as amongst the best family law specialists in the country, we also work on a very personal and human level. Ultimately we are people with families of our own, who understand fully the pressures that come with the breakdown of the family unit and want to utilise our skill and experience in this area to help.

We want to ensure the full legal process is as quick and as amicable as possible to minimise any distress and disruption caused to you and your family, so that you can move forward and create stability and security for the future.

Your Private FDR questions answered

What are the benefits of choosing a private FDR?

By opting for a private FDR, you can avoid the long and formal court procedure and the frustrating delays that can be characteristic of the process.

You can choose the time and place of your meeting to keep matters as relaxed and informal as possible, and you are also able to select the person you wish to preside over the proceedings.

Although you and your former partner will have to cover the judge’s fees yourselves, this can often be the most cost-effective way of proceeding, avoiding unnecessary court appointments and delay, to bring about an earlier and more efficient conclusion.

Many of our clients find that a private FDR is the best way of breaking the stalemate if their negotiations have broken down, and we are happy to advise on whether this is likely to work for you and your own particular circumstances.

What will a private FDR cost?

We are pleased to be able to offer our clients a variety of flexible payment plans from pay as you go arrangements and fixed fee agreements to traditional hourly charging rates, so that our services are accessible to all regardless of financial situation.

Testimonials

What our clients say.

After the solicitor firm I was using for my divorce couldn’t get it settled in two years, I transferred to Lanyon Bowdler. Within seven months they got it completely finished and over with. They proactively pushed to get my case closed and were supportive throughout. Absolutely worthy to be called the best.

Simon
via ReviewSolicitors

Lanyon Bowdler managed my case very professionally and were very helpful during a difficult and challenging case both in a professional and personal capacity. I would highly recommend Lanyon Bowdler for all legal matters and would definitely engage in the future if the need arises.

Timothy
via ReviewSolicitors

I would not hesitate to recommend LB Solicitors to anyone needing guidance and representation for family law or divorce proceedings. My solicitor was thorough and diligent, balancing professional rigour with fairness, reasonableness and sensitivity. I feel this approach helped me to obtain a satisfactory settlement avoiding costly and unnecessary conflict.

Jon
via ReviewSolicitors

Since dealing with Lanyon Bowdler they have been diligent, efficient and at all times very helpful along with being structured in dealing with matters, fees and clarity on all levels. Thank you.

Michael
via ReviewSolicitors

I was clearly informed of progress step by step. The service you provided was very good.

Peter Weston
Shrewsbury

All work carried out effectively and efficiently.

Hubert Jones
via ReviewSolicitors

An excellent service with solicitors that you can talk to and who give you a clear understanding of all necessary legal implications and interpretations.

Eric
via ReviewSolicitors

From start to finish we had excellent service. Friendly, approachable and professional.

Carl Gittins
via ReviewSolicitors

Used Lanyon Bowdler for conveyancing and for legal advice – both solicitors I worked with were effective and professional. Law firm was fast and responsive to queries and clear pricing.

Samantha
via ReviewSolicitors

Very clear, concise advice and guidance, easy to understand.

Ian Jamieson
Telford

Good service provided throughout with clear communication throughout with all options explored.

Lee

I was impressed with the forensic approach to identifying, securing, assessing and presenting evidence over the two years that it took to finally resolve the issue.

Timothy
via ReviewSolicitors

I can thoroughly recommend the highly professional and supportive service received over the last few months.

Heather
via ReviewSolicitors

Responsive, supportive, approachable, clear and empathetic.

Lisa Thacker

Professional and prompt communication. Supportive and client focused.

Lisa Thacker
Jennifer M Whittall Ltd

Whenever I have had need to contact Lanyon Bowdler I have always received a fast, concise and friendly response.

Lee Mortimer
UK Case Management

Definitely would use Lanyon Bowdler again if I need the use of a solicitor.

Mark Bowkett
via ReviewSolicitors

Smooth and efficient service from very professional firm.

Tim
via ReviewSolicitors

We were particularly impressed with the quality of work, the speed and excellent communication.

Allenby Douglas Ltd
Oswestry

Very friendly and approachable. Very good advice

Ivor Brown
via ReviewSolicitors

Great Service; Lanyon Bowdler were excellent from the outset. Straightforward and easy process. I just sat back and waited.

Paul Rowe
via ReviewSolicitors

Everything has been professional, efficient and courteous throughout and we are very pleased, both with the service and with the eventual outcome of our case. Everything was first class and exceeded our expectations. Thank you again for providing such splendid service. It is really appreciated.

Mr N J & Dr S J Browne
Llanfyllin

Contact us Today

Lanyon Bowdler is recognised as one of the leading full-service law firms in the region and as such we can represent you wherever you are located in England or Wales.

With offices in Shrewsbury, Bromyard, Conwy, Hereford, Ludlow, Oswestry and Telford, our family law solicitors regularly see clients from right across Shropshire, Herefordshire, Mid and North Wales and the Midlands.

If you would like to find out more about how to resolve your family law dispute away from the court please don’t hesitate to contact us. Call now to speak to an experienced non-court resolution lawyer or complete the online enquiry form and one of the team will get back to you to discuss your query in more detail. For honest, helpful and reliable advice contact the family law experts today

Our people

Meet the team.

Sue Hodgson
Sue Hodgson
Partner
Family Law
Jon Moriarty
Jon Moriarty
Partner
Family Law
Philippa Pearson
Philippa Pearson
Partner
Family Law
Amelie Gray
Amelie Gray
Legal Support Assistant
Family Law
Georgia Rowney
Georgia Rowney
Legal Assistant
Family Law
Nicholas Bridgewater
Nicholas Bridgewater
Trainee Solicitor
Family Law | Disputes & Court Claims | Commercial Dispute Resolution
Anne Lewis
Anne Lewis
Associate Legal Executive (FCILEX)
Family Law
Lisa Grimmett
Lisa Grimmett
Senior Associate Solicitor
Family Law
Caroline Yorke
Caroline Yorke
Associate Solicitor
Family Law
Fiona Cooper
Fiona Cooper
Legal Support Assistant
Family Law
Annie Priest
Annie Priest
Trainee Solicitor
Family Law
Kelly Reynolds
Kelly Reynolds
Solicitor
Family
Staci Robinson
Staci Robinson
Associate Solicitor
Family Law
Laura Jones
Laura Jones
Solicitor
Family Law
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