Glossary

NCDR

Definition: NCDR means non-court dispute resolution, the range of ways to resolve family disputes without a contested court hearing.

Reviewed by Chris Yaffes, FMC-accredited mediator (FMC URN 0961A). Last reviewed 9 July 2026.

NCDR covers mediation, arbitration, collaborative law and neutral evaluation. It is the umbrella term used in the Family Procedure Rules.

Since 29 April 2024, courts can adjourn a case so the parties can try NCDR, and can take an unreasonable refusal to try it into account when deciding who pays costs.

Frequently asked questions

What does NCDR stand for?

Non-court dispute resolution: resolving a family dispute without a contested court hearing, for example through mediation or arbitration.

Is mediation a type of NCDR?

Yes. Mediation is the most common form of non-court dispute resolution.

Sources

  1. Family Procedure Rules, Part 3, justice.gov.uk. Accessed 9 July 2026.