Independent Case Review

Both parties must agree to the process and sign the Private Neutral Evaluation Terms and Conditions, and we carry out an initial conflict check before accepting an instruction. The parties or their solicitors then send the agreed documents, we review the material as an independent neutral, and we provide a concise written indication setting out our provisional view of a potential settlement and the principal reasons for it.

The agreed core documents are normally an agreed asset schedule, mortgage capacity evidence, property particulars and available valuation material, details of any offers made, and short position statements. The information must be provided to both parties at the same time. If we consider that further information or clarification is needed to provide a fair indication, we will ask for it.

We act for neither party. We review the agreed material as an independent neutral: we do not act for either party, advise either party privately, or communicate with one party without the other being copied in.

The indication is non-binding. The parties remain free to accept it, negotiate an alternative outcome, pursue another form of non-court dispute resolution, or ask the court to determine the issues. Any agreement reached remains subject to the parties obtaining their own advice - in financial remedy matters, a binding outcome will usually require a consent order approved by the court.

It is not, although it sits alongside them as a non-court option. Independent Case Review is not a court hearing or a judicial Early Neutral Evaluation, mediation, arbitration or legal representation. It is not a substitute for full financial disclosure, expert evidence, independent legal advice, tax advice or financial advice, and it is not a valuation of property, a business, a pension or any other asset.

It is most suitable where both parties are able to participate freely and can provide clear, reliable information. It may not be suitable where there are significant safeguarding concerns, substantial factual disputes, allegations requiring investigation, incomplete disclosure, international issues, urgent protective steps, or complexity that cannot fairly be dealt with on paper. We may decide that the service cannot proceed, or cannot fairly continue, if the material remains incomplete or unsuitable.

The typical fixed fee ranges from £750 to £1,500 plus VAT (£900 to £1,800), shared equally between the parties unless they agree otherwise in writing. The fee is payable in advance and covers the paper-only review and one short written indication, based on the agreed scope. If the case falls outside the stated scope, or further work is requested, we will discuss this with both parties and provide a separate written estimate before undertaking any additional work.