Family Law in Partnership Shortlisted at the Chambers UK Awards 2025
Family Law in Partnership (FLiP) is delighted to be shortlisted in the ESG: Collaborative Initiative of the Year category at the upcoming Chambers UK Awards 2025 – Winter Edition. We are shortlisted for our collaboration with FLANC to help family law professionals provide better support to neurodivergent individuals in Non-Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR) processes.
Family Law Advice for the Neurodivergent Community
FLANC (Family Law Advice for the Neurodivergent Community) was launched in 2024 to support the neurodivergent community to gain equal access to justice by addressing barriers to participation in family proceedings and dispute resolution. The work of this organisation has been significant and it has been instrumental in changing the way the family law profession supports neurodivergent people going through litigation. This shone a light on the fact that neurodivergent people are believed to be over-represented in family court proceedings.
Whilst the reasons for this are complex, we know that neurodivergent people often face barriers when accessing essential family law support as service providers do not understand or meet their needs. Barriers will be unique to each individual and in a family separation or divorce, it may be that both adults and children are facing barriers.
Removing Barriers to Participation in NCDR
In a bid to reduce the barriers to participation and make NCDR processes more accessible for neurodivergent individuals, FLiP Directors Elizabeth Fletcher and Victoria Nottage led a collaboration with FLANC to develop a practical toolkit for family solicitors, barristers, mediators and arbitrators. Managed by FLiP, the toolkit is available free of charge to professionals who want to provide the best support to their neurodivergent clients and help them to access the benefits of NCDR processes including mediation, arbitration, the one lawyer model and collaborative practice. It includes tools that can be used to better understand and identify individual need, so that appropriate changes can be made to the standard process.
This unique resource is available online at www.flanctoolkit.org.
Why is it Important?
Supporting people to participate fully in an NCDR process means that they are able to take advantage of all the upsides that staying out of court provides. Whilst this is not an article on the advantages of NCDR, if the rest of society is able to enjoy the benefits of a bespoke process that listens to and tries hard to meet their needs in separation and divorce, there should be no reason why the neurodivergent community should not enjoy the same benefits. As FLiP has consistently advocated for better non court dispute resolution in Family Law since it was founded 30 years ago, we are delighted to be involved in this initiative to help more people benefit from NCDR.
Chambers UK Awards 2025 – Winter Edition
The awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday 26 November 2025 at the iconic Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Bringing together the UK’s most distinguished legal professionals the awards celebrate excellence and innovation in the legal sector.
We extend our congratulations to all the other nominees and look forward to an evening of celebration and inspiration.
FAQs: NCDR and Neurodivergence
Family Law Q&A: NCDR and Neurodivergence
NCDR and Neurodivergence in Family Law
What is NCDR?
Non-Court Dispute Resolution otherwise known as NCDR refers to a range of private and voluntary methods that help you resolve disputes – without going to court. NCDR is appropriate for resolving most family disputes to include child arrangement orders as well as that of specific issues such as schooling issues, pre and post nuptial agreements and financial remedies following divorce/separation.
In family law, everyone participating must be willing to take part constructively and co-operate throughout the process. These approaches include mediation, arbitration, collaborative law, early neutral evaluation and the one couple one lawyer model.
Is NCDR different from ADR?
NCDR was previously known as Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Since 2024 “NCDR” has been the umbrella term to describe processes that assist individuals in resolving, or attempting to resolve, disputes without resorting to a court application.
What is Neurodivergence?
Neurodivergence is an umbrella term used to describe a difference or ‘divergence’ from typical or usual neurological expression. Some of the most common types of neurodivergence are usually referred to using the following terms:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) otherwise known as Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Dyscalculia
- Dysgraphia
- Dyslexia
- Dyspraxia
- Tourette’s Syndrome.
Does FLiP support neurodivergent individuals?
Yes. We have extensive experience supporting neurodivergent individuals in all processes, including mediation, arbitration, through the collaborative process, neutral evaluation, one couple one lawyer models and within court proceedings.
Our approach is always tailored, empathetic, and flexible, ensuring that communication, pace, and environment are adapted to meet each individual’s needs. We work with the individuals to create a process that feels safe.
Does FLiP support parents with neurodivergent children?
Yes. We have experience supporting parents of neurodivergent children in all family law processes. Our approach is always child-focused. As each family’s circumstances are unique we work closely with parents to create arrangements that reflect their child’s individual needs,promoting their wellbeing and sense of stability.
What legal process options does FLiP offer?
At FLiP we offer unrivalled expertise across all legal process options from NCDR through to court – and we will work with you to select the best process for you given your particular circumstances.
The Legal 500 2026 says ‘FLiP are one of London’s best known and loved family law firms. Widely recognised to be pioneers of all forms of NCDR.’