Private FDR/ENE

Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE) and Private Financial Dispute Resolution (Private FDR) offer parties a structured, expert-led opportunity to move closer to settlement outside of court. In an ENE, an experienced evaluator—often a senior barrister or retired judge—provides an impartial, informed assessment of the likely outcome of a case. This early, realistic guidance helps parties better understand the strengths and weaknesses of their positions, encouraging productive negotiation and early resolution.

Private FDRs are particularly valuable in family financial proceedings, where parties jointly engage a specialist barrister to act as a private FDR judge. Unlike busy court lists, a private FDR offers parties dedicated time and attention. The judge will have read and considered all the papers in advance, listen carefully to both parties’ representations, and deliver a full, neutral evaluation of the likely outcome. This process often results in meaningful progress toward settlement, saving time, costs, and the stress of ongoing litigation.  For a useful explainer, see this article.

For further information, please contact our Clerks:
T: 01245 605040
E: clerks@trinitychambers.com