Family dispute resolution in the North
A better way to resolve family matters than court.
We are a group of family lawyers, mediators and arbitrators committed to a civilised, collaborative and co-operative way of settling disputes, with a firm route to finality if agreement is not reached.
About Northern Resolve
Northern Resolve is a joined-up dispute resolution initiative designed to give families the best chance of settlement, whilst keeping a firm route to finality if agreement is not reached.
The initiative brings family mediation and family arbitration together in a structured, collaborative and practical way. In practice, it means using mediation and arbitration as complementary parts of one process rather than as separate or competing options.
Our goal is to help families through challenging times without the stress, cost and adversarial nature often associated with court proceedings.
How the blended process works
Mediation
Families work with a trained family mediator to reach their own agreement on finances or arrangements for children, at their own pace and in private.
Arbitration
A discrete issue, or all issues, can be referred to a family arbitrator for a binding decision, so progress in mediation is never lost and there is always a way to finish.
Mediation
Facilitated, confidential discussion led by the family, supported by their lawyers where that helps.
Arbitration
A private, binding decision from an experienced family arbitrator, on finances or children, in weeks rather than months.
Collaborative practice
Both parties and their collaboratively trained lawyers commit to resolving matters around a table, not in a courtroom.
Who we are
Northern Resolve was founded by family law professionals practising across Yorkshire and the North. It is not a closed group. If you share our aims, we would like you to be part of it.
The Northern Resolve process
From the first mediation information meeting to a binding outcome, with the arbitrator on hand whenever a point sticks.
Launch event
- When
- Tuesday 20 October 2026, 4.00pm to 6.00pm
- Where
- Mills & Reeve, Leeds
- Format
- Informal networking from 4.00pm, for a 4.30pm start. A relaxed panel discussion, followed by drinks, nibbles and more networking.
- Who for
- Family lawyers, mediators and arbitrators who want to see how the blended process works and how to get involved.
Together we will explore a different perspective on dispute resolution, focusing on how matters can be resolved in a civilised, collaborative and co-operative way, without the stress, cost and adversarial nature often associated with court proceedings.
We would love to hear your thoughts and questions. Bring them along on the day, or send them in advance to Julia Nelson at the address below.
RSVP (please include numbers attending and any dietary requirements)
Ciaran.Roche@mills-reeve.comPanel questions in advance
julia.nelson@parklaneplowden.co.ukGet involved
Northern Resolve is not an exclusive club or committee. We want other family lawyers, mediators and arbitrators to join the initiative, not simply to refer families into it.
If you would like to take part, come to the launch, or get in touch with any founding member. The flowchart and member profiles are available on request.
Contact
For anything to do with Northern Resolve, whether a referral, a question about the process or an interest in joining, email any of us.