Early Neutral Evaluation

Early neutral evaluation can be used as a way of resolving issues which remain in dispute following initial negotiations. The process often helps parties avoid unnecessary litigation. Our Unified in Separation team are here to help guide you through the process to ensure you reach an effective resolution.

Contact us
Three lawyers discussing an item

Meet the team

The logo for the Unified in Separation team

The early neutral evaluation process

This approach involves a neutral third party telling you what the outcome of an issues could be if you were to make an application to court. While it is non-binding, as a form of alternative dispute resolution, the process helps to avoid court where there are smaller issues being discussed and can help to bring about early resolve.

Early neutral evaluation can be carried out in person or in writing and will involve your lawyer presenting your case to a barrister and asking for them to give an opinion. Although any indication given is not legally binding, the undertaking can narrow down any issues being disputed and avoid going to court.

How early neutral evaluation forms part of a more holistic approach

Early neutral evaluation is often used in conjunction with mediation, one lawyer divorce and following round table negotiations, and is an integral part of the process for many couples.

Our Unified in Separation specialists work with you across the full range of issues faced by separating couples to help you make the best of the situation quickly and effectively.

More information about Early Neutral Evaluation

Legal updates and thought leadership

View All

Hear what our clients say about us

Legal director Maxine Reid has substantial experience of complex financial matters.

Legal 500 2025 Private Client – Hereford

HCR Law has a national reputation for its work across an array of complex private children law matters, and for its representation of high-net-worth individuals in divorce and financial remedy cases.

Legal 500 2025 Private Client – Hereford

Thank you Amy, so much for your help, you have been very patient with me, advising me well and most of all being a listening ear. You have been such a blessing to me.

Client Testimonial Divorce Proceedings

I’d like to thank you for all your help and support given to me over the last few years. I cannot thank you enough for your true professionalism. I have felt that at every interaction we had that you really understood the impacts to me and my family personally.

You navigated me through a really challenging time at a pace that was right for me. It was hugely important that I had a settled family life, and that everyone was alright in the end and indeed we are!

 

Mrs F Financial settlement within divorce proceedings.

I just wanted to say a really big thank you for seeing me through the whole lengthy and tricky divorce process.

You were always there to answer my questions and listen to my ranting!

To have your consistency and steadiness was a huge support and I couldn’t have asked for more. Thank you for what you do!

Client Divorce proceedings

One of the most significant family teams in the South West and fast becoming the leading financial remedy solicitors in the region. Very accessible and client focused – real strength in depth.

Legal 500 2024 – Family

HCR should be considered as the go-to firm for family law issues in Hereford and Worcester. HCR’s reputation for quality is well known and well justified.

Legal 500 2024 – Family

The firm has a strong presence in Birmingham and in Worcester as well as their other locations across the UK.

Legal 500 2024 – Family

I recommend this firm to family and friends as I know that they will be supported and well-advised through difficult times. The firm stands out as a class above other firms.

 

Legal 500 2024 – Family

HCR Hewitsons is a multidisciplinary firm with very strong local foundations, as well as an important presence in London. Not every firm can offer the same breadth and reach that they can.

Legal 500 2024 – Family

HCR have a growing presence in Cambridge and have gone from a standing start of no permanent family lawyers to build a growing team.

Legal 500 2024 – Family

The firm is well known for providing sound family law advice and representation at the highest levels. A good quality firm.

 

Legal 500 2024 – Family

How can we help you?

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.