This session took place on Thursday 6 November 2025

Presenter: Karen Barham, Moore Barlow

For access to the recording and a copy of the session slides, please email Elouise at elouise.enright@surreylawsoiety.org.uk

This one-hour update session, led by Karen Barham of Moore Barlow, provides family law practitioners with a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in Non-Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR) and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) strategies. Focusing on practical insights, this webinar will explore recent examples of non-compliance, highlighting the potential repercussions for practitioners and clients alike. Karen will guide attendees through best practice standards for NCDR, covering mediation, arbitration, and collaborative law, to include the latest developments in mediation, arbitration, private FDRs, neutral evaluation and collaborative law, and will offer actionable tips on incorporating these approaches effectively in family law cases. This session is ideal for practitioners seeking to stay informed about the latest compliance requirements, refine their approach to NCDR, and enhance their client offerings through alternative dispute strategies.

What people have said about Karen and previous courses:

• Karen was excellent, informative, interesting, and explained the main points in good detail
• Very clear and extremely interesting talk

About Karen Barham

Karen joined Moore Barlow LLP (formerly Barlow Robbins LLP) in 2006 bringing considerable knowledge and experience as a family lawyer, having specialised in this area for over 30 years. She practises exclusively as a mediator and parenting coordinator assisting couples and families when relationships break down. Karen is experienced in making arrangements for children and resolving financial aspects. She is also qualified in Child Inclusive Mediation (CIM) and is qualified to meet separately with children to ascertain their thoughts and views thereby giving them an opportunity to have a voice.

Karen has served as a co-director of the Family Mediation Council and Resolution. In 2016  she was awarded the Resolution John Cornwell award ‘in recognition of outstanding work to support separating families’.

Many families can be assisted to find solutions in out of court processes including mediation, collaborative law, early neutral evaluation, private FDRs and arbitration. Accordingly Karen has pioneered The Surrey Initiative.

Karen was named Family Lawyer of the Year at the SLS Legal Awards in 2021 and winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the SLS Legal Awards 2023.