Free Webinar - The new FPR provisions on NCDR. Fresh carrot, Bigger stick (but no mandation)

Join HH Stephen Wildblood KC, 3PB; Nicholas Allen KC, 29 Bedford Row; Martin Kingerley KC, 36 Group; Rhys Taylor, 36 Group; Graeme Fraser, BBS Law & Karen Barham, Moore Barlow on Friday the 16th February, 1pm to 2pm, for this latest free FRJ webinar: 'The new FPR provisions on NCDR. Fresh carrot, Bigger stick (but no mandation)'.

This panel discussion, from leading experts and chaired by HH Stephen Wildblood KC, will look at the momentum behind the changes to the FPR 2010 which will come into effect on 29 April 2024 and their likely impact. Whilst the government has stopped short of mandating mediation, the amended rules provide new ways for courts to support NCDR, and in some instances the potential for a costs sanction for those who unreasonably refuse to engage in it. The definition of NCDR has been expanded to include, in addition to mediation, evaluation (such as a private dispute resolution appointment), arbitration and collaborative law. MIAM providers will also now be required by the FPR to advise about all NCDR options.

REGISTER HERE

If you are unable to attend the webinar live but would like to receive the recording, please still register your details and this will be sent to you afterwards.

HH Stephen Wildblood KC, 3PB

Stephen Wildblood KC was the Designated Family Judge for the Bristol area for ten years before stepping down in November 2023. He practised at the Family bar for 27 years, the last 8 ½ in silk. He has written in over 20 legal textbooks on issues of family law and often lectures on the full range of family issues. He continues to sit, part-time, in the Family and High Courts. He and Dr Freda Gardiner (clinical psychologist) have set up an LLP which offers to assist couples resolve their family issues relating to money and children without litigation. They are both trained mediators and Stephen awaits the outcome of the arbitration course that he has recently completed. Stephen has also joined 3PB chambers as an associate member offering private FDRs, early neutral evaluation and, in the future, arbitration. Stephen is also a playwright and author. He believes that Family litigation should be a last resort.

Nicholas Allen KC, 29 Bedford Row

Barrister and Joint Head of Chambers at 29 Bedford Row (London). Door Tenant at St. Ives (Birmingham). IFLA arbitrator and PFDR/ENE tribunal. Appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2018, a Deputy High Court Judge in 2021, and a Recorder of the Family Court in 2016. Bencher of the Middle Temple. Contributing Editor to The Family Court Practice and editor of the family law chapters of Foskett on Compromise. Regular lecturer including to the Judicial College. Co-Chair of the Bar Council’s Services Appointment Panel. Former trustee of FreeBar, a network promoting LGBT+ equality and inclusion.

Martin Kingerley KC, 36 Group

Martin Kingerley KC is a family law barrister who specialises in the law relating to children. His practice encompasses the most serious and complex private and public law cases. Martin is also renowned for his expertise in respect of surrogacy, assisted conception other aspects of the HFEA 2008 and he regularly advises and represents parents and fertility clinics both within the UK and internationally.

Rhys Taylor, 36 Group

Rhys Taylor is a barrister at The 36 Group and 30 Park Place. He is a member of the Family Procedure Rule Committee and the Pension Advisory Group. Bencher of the Inner Temple. Contributing Editor to The Family Court Practice and co-author of Pensions on Divorce: A Practitioner’s Guide. Regular lecturer including to the Judicial College. Rhys is a Recorder, arbitrator, mediator and a neutral/evaluator in the private FDR setting. He tweets @RhysTaylor32

Graeme Fraser, BBS Law

Head of Family and Partner at BBS Law. Highly respected by clients and colleagues alike, Graeme has an extensive knowledge of family law. He is renowned for having dedicated his career to improving protections for cohabiting couples through his practice, through his work with Resolution and commentary in the media.

Karen Barham, Moore Barlow

Karen Barham is a solicitor of over 35 years' experience. She now practises exclusively as a mediator and parenting coordinator and is a Consultant at Moore Barlow. Believing that many separating and divorcing families can be assisted away from the court in NCDR and putting Part 3 of the FPR front and centre, she pioneered the Surrey Initiative leading to the national Family Solutions Initiative. Karen serves on Resolution's DR committee, is a member of the Family Solutions Group and the MoJ's Early Response Working Group. She is recognised as a Leading Individual & ADR specialist in the legal directories.