The legal bit
September 17, 2025
43 MIN

Non-court dispute resolution (NCDR) explained

In this episode, Kate Daly is joined by Stephen Wildblood, King’s Counsel and a playwright, to discuss non-court dispute resolution (NCDR).

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In this episode, Kate Daly is joined by Stephen Wildblood, King’s Counsel and a playwright, to discuss non-court dispute resolution (NCDR).

About the episode: 

Kate and Stephen start by unpacking what NCDR (non-court dispute resolution) is, the main types available and the key benefits of choosing this route over going to court to finalise a divorce. From there, they explore why NCDR isn’t as widely considered as it could be, and discuss simple ways to raise its profile with the public. Stephen then shares how the plays he writes are helping to shine a light on NCDR - and why this creative approach is such an effective way to spread awareness. Finally, we look ahead, imagining other ways to reach a wider audience and ensure NCDR becomes the go-to choice for untying the knot.

A summary of what they cover:

  • Main types of NCDR and their key benefits
  • Why NCDR isn’t as widely considered as it could be during divorce
  • Unorthodox ways to make NCDR people’s first choice when separating

About our guests:

Stephen Wildblood KC was the Designated Family Judge for the Bristol area for ten years before stepping down in November 2023. He continues to sit as a Judge, part-time, in the Family and High Courts. He practised as a Family barrister for 27 years – the last eight and a half as a KC. His practice was divided equally between children and financial remedy cases.  Stephen has written for over 20 legal textbooks and regularly lectures on all aspects of family law. He and Dr Freda Gardner (a consultant clinical psychologist) have set up a business which helps couples resolve family issues relating to money and children without litigation. They are both trained mediators. 

Stephen is a qualified Family arbitrator in relation to children and financial issues. He has joined 3 PB barristers' chambers as an associate member offering private financial hearings, early neutral evaluation and arbitration. You’ll learn more about this in the podcast episode. He is a man of many talents and is a playwright and author too. He believes that going to court should be a last resort in divorce and children cases.

More resources:

You can learn more about Stephen and get in touch with him through Gardner Wildblood LLP or 3 Paper Buildings.

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