Private DRA

In court, a Dispute Resolution Appointment (DRA) is one hearing, in a busy court list, at which a judge or magistrates assists the parties in attempting to resolve their dispute and agree child arrangements.

A Private DRA (pDRA) involves a specialist independent and neutral third party (the evaluator) assisting the parties in reaching an agreement. It can also be used by one party seeking guidance for themselves. This is achieved by the evaluator undertaking an assessment and appraisal of the parties’ positions and offering them the likely outcome, if the issue was before the court, and helping them to resolve or narrow their issues.

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Faster dispute resolution

Specialist in field

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Single case allocation

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Privacy

Private DRA’s have the following advantages over court DRAs:

Speed: pDRAs can be arranged quicker than court hearings which can reduce cost and stress and allows for finality much sooner, which is particularly important if there is a time-sensitive dispute. Early resolution is better for all family members, particularly children. We can host pDRAs at our premises, we can conduct them at your premises or we can set them up for a remote meeting.
Specialist: The evaluator will be a specialist in the law relating to children. We have a team of experts with a wide range of experience who can assist you in resolving one or more issues, however simple or complex.
Attention: The evaluator will have time to prepare for, and consider, your case carefully in advance and to hear representations and address only your case on the day. In court judge will be allocated many cases in a busy court list each day which will be prepared and dealt with that day.
Facilities: We have the facilities to arrange pDRA’s at our premises in a suitable conference room where the parties can also have their own separate conference rooms for discussions. We will provide refreshments and arrange an environment which will enable the parties to negotiate and consult with the evaluator in a way which is far less stressful than court and which will be free of the time constraints of a judge at a busy court.