Round Table Meetings: Resolving Disputes Out of Court ===================================================== what is a round table meeting? ------------------------------ Sitting around a table to discuss issues is often an extremely effective way to move a dispute forward. A round table meeting is a meeting designed specifically for the purpose of settlement discussions. Parties and their legal advisors meet to consider and attempt to narrow the issues at hand and undertake negotiations. These meetings can vary in their formality but often parties and their advisors will each have discussions in separate rooms, and all meet in a third room to consider proposals. Round table meetings are conducted on a without prejudice basis, allowing the parties and their advisors to speak freely without the concern that their discussions will be used against them in court if no agreement is reached. These meetings can occur before or during court proceedings, and agreeing to meet can often shift the tone of the dispute from combative to more collaborative. Even if a settlement is not reached, the meeting can be valuable in helping the parties explain and understand each other's positions, as well as potentially break a deadlock in negotiations or narrow down the issues. Often, clients feel they need the support of a solicitor present to help them negotiate and to advise them, but like the idea of reaching their own bespoke solution with their spouse or partner, making a round table meeting an attractive alternative to financial remedy proceedings. However, it is important to note that any agreement informally reached between parties will not be legally binding, including agreements reached at a round table meeting. This means that parties will still be able to make financial claims against each other, even if a [final order](https://vardags.com/law-guide/divorce-process/conditional-orders-and-final-orders) has been granted to legally end the marriage. As such, it is important to seek a [consent order](https://vardags.com/law-guide/financial-proceedings/if-you-and-your-spouse-can-agree-consent-orders) from the family court to formalise any agreement and make it legally binding, cutting financial ties between the parties. **If you're considering or going through a divorce and would like to explore methods of alternative dispute resolution to come to an agreement with your spouse, we can help. Click below for a free initial consultation with one of our expert divorce solicitors.** [BOOK FREE CONSULTATION](https://vardags.com/contact "BOOK FREE CONSULTATION") About Us -------- Ayesha VardagFounder & President "A DIVORCE LAWYER WIDELY REGARDED AS ONE OF THE WORLD'S BEST" The Metro Vardags offer a unique approach to the law, specially tailored to the needs of HNW individuals. We offer City-quality representation for your divorce and family law needs. Our lawyers come from the very best universities and receive the very best training - they are determined, diligent, and dedicated to getting the best outcome... [read more](https://vardags.com/about-us) [BOOK FREE CONSULTATION](https://vardags.com/contact) Related Guides -------------- [Alternative & non-court dispute resolution](https://vardags.com/law-guide/financial-proceedings/alternative-dispute-resolution "Alternative & non-court dispute resolution") [Arbitration](https://vardags.com/law-guide/financial-proceedings/arbitration "Arbitration") [Collaborative Divorce](https://vardags.com/law-guide/financial-proceedings/collaborative-divorce "Collaborative Divorce") [Mediation](https://vardags.com/law-guide/financial-proceedings/mediation "Mediation") [Private Financial Dispute Resolutions (private FDRs)](https://vardags.com/law-guide/financial-proceedings/guide-to-private-financial-dispute-resolutions "Private Financial Dispute Resolutions (private FDRs)") [Solicitor-led negotiation](https://vardags.com/law-guide/financial-proceedings/solicitor-led-negotiation "Solicitor-led negotiation") [What is Arbitration?](https://vardags.com/law-guide/financial-proceedings/what-is-arbitration "What is Arbitration?") Glossary Reference ------------------ ### Round table meeting An informal negotiation meeting attended by parties and their solicitors. The information on this website is intended as a guide and does not constitute legal advice. Vardags do not accept liability for any errors in the information on this website, nor any losses stemming from reliance upon the statements made herein. All articles and pages aim to reflect the legal position at time they were published, and may have been rendered obsolete by subsequent developments in the law. Should you require specialist advice, tailored to your situation, please see how Vardags can help you. What our clients say -------------------- Throughout my time using Vardags I felt that I have always been in the best possible hands. I enjoyed an excellent level of service and received accurate and precise legal advice. The lawyers are hugely talented, sensitive and... focused on getting the very best results. Their no-nonsense and direct approach is most valuable when time and costs are of the essence. I highly recommend them over and above any other law firm I have ever dealt with. Thank you Vardags. Valerie Knowledgeable, respectful and empathetic service and team. Michelle Ravden Beyond the direct legal work they were extremely knowledgeable and creative in coordinating with other service providers when required, which was key in securing a fair financial result and, more importantly, maintaining my... parental relationship with my young children during the divorce proceedings and beyond. Throughout the whole process they never lost sight of the best long term outcome, whilst always staying on top of procedure and providing flawless execution. I highly recommended them! Heinz-Peter Stohl Outstanding, cannot recommend this highly enough. Mark Curtis My experience with Vardags has been exceptional. They helped me through all the complicated bureaucracy and process involved in dissolving my Civil Partnership. I would, without hesitation, recommend Vardags if you want a highly... professional and compassionate legal team to get you to the outcome you desire. J Rourke I feel they got the best outcome possible for me whilst supporting me through a challenging & difficult time in my life. I have no hesitation in recommending them. 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