Whether you have fallen out with a neighbour over a boundary, cannot get a refund for faulty goods, or are owed money by a business that will not pay, getting the right advice early can make the difference between a fast, affordable resolution and a long, expensive fight that could have been avoided. As dispute resolution solicitors, we handle a wide range of civil disputes, from property and money problems through to disagreements over a will or estate. We are straightforward with you from the outset about your options, the likely costs and how long matters tend to take, so you always know what to expect at every stage. Wherever it is appropriate we look to resolve disputes through negotiation or mediation, which is usually quicker, less stressful and less costly than going to court. Where that route is not available, or does not work, we represent you through the court process with the same clear, practical approach, taking whatever action the situation calls for to get you back in control.
Property is often your most valuable asset, and property disputes can be some of the most stressful disagreements to deal with, whether it involves a boundary line with a neighbour, a landlord and tenant relationship or shared ownership of a home. Getting advice early, before costs escalate, usually produces the best outcome. Our property disputes team looks for a resolution through negotiation or mediation where appropriate, and represents you in court when the situation calls for it.
Being owed money is stressful, and for a business, unpaid invoices can put real pressure on cash flow at a time you can least afford it. We act quickly to chase payment and, where necessary, use court proceedings to secure your position as a creditor and recover what you are owed. The sooner you act, the better your chances of recovering the debt in full.
If you have paid for goods or a service that turned out to be substandard, you have consumer rights that cover the quality of what you bought, whether it does what it was supposed to and whether it matches how it was described, and those rights can be enforced. We advise on where you stand and take action, through the courts if needed, to put things right and get you what you are owed.
The death of a loved one can bring old tensions to the surface, particularly where the validity of a will is in question or a family member feels they have not been properly provided for. These disputes are rarely just about money. We advise on where you stand and work towards a resolution that as many people as possible can accept, using mediation where that is appropriate.
Many disputes worth up to £10,000 fall under the small claims process, where legal costs cannot usually be recovered even by the winning party. That leads many people to represent themselves, even when the legal issues involved are not straightforward. We can advise you before you go to court, so you understand your options and the realistic prospects of your case before you commit to anything.
Do I have to go to court to resolve a dispute?
Not usually. Most of the disputes we handle are resolved through negotiation or mediation, which tends to be quicker and less stressful than court proceedings. Court action remains an option where it is necessary to protect your position, and we will always tell you when we think that route is the right one.
How do I know if I have a valid claim?
This depends on the details of your situation. The right first step is usually an initial conversation with one of our dispute resolution solicitors, who can give you a plain view of whether you have grounds to pursue the matter and what the realistic options are.
What kinds of disputes do you handle?
We advise on property disputes, debt recovery, consumer and contractual disputes, wills and inheritance disputes and small claims matters.
