Dispute Resolution Lawyers

Dispute resolution refers to the process of settling conflicts or disagreements between parties in a peaceful and fair manner. It typically involves negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation to reach a resolution. The aim is to find a mutually agreeable solution, avoiding the need for prolonged court proceedings and fostering better relationships among the parties involved.

There are alternatives to settling a dispute without going to court.

In some instances, direct negotiation and mediation may result in a resolution.  If a solution is agreed to, put it in writing and provide a copy to the other party.

If that fails, you could seek legal advice, even if it’s obtaining a short advice about the prospects of success of writing to the other side.

In many situations, a letter of demand setting out the claim and providing adequate time to pay should resolve the situation.

However in some circumstances, further action may be required. We recommend obtaining legal advice before proceeding with any further action.

A Statement of Claim (SoC) is a document filed with the court when you’re having a dispute with another party who owes you money or goods.

SoC’s are serious and timely legal documents which are the beginning of court proceedings. Therefore, we recommend obtaining legal advice ASAP if you have received a SoC.

Find out more about SoC’s here.

A deed of release, also known as a deed of settlement, plays a crucial role in dispute resolution for businesses. This document formalises agreements reached between disputing parties and outlines the conditions for releasing each other from potential claims.

Find out more about a Deed of Release here.

Dispute resolution clauses are contractual provisions by which parties specify how their disputes are to be resolved. Including a dispute resolution clause in your Terms and Conditions is extremely beneficial as it establishes a process for resolving disputes that the parties are required to follow, often resulting in less clients/customers taking you to Court.

Here are some of the most common examples of disputes we see in small business.

• Partnership disputes: these arise when business partners have disagreements over various aspects of their partnership.
• Contractual disputes: contractual disputes can arise from many different issues such as unclear terms, non-compliance with the terms of the contract, and disagreements between the different parties to the contract. Contract lawyers can help you to resolve contractual disputes.
• Disputes about repairs and maintenance
• Debt collection disputes: this is a disagreement between a debtor and a creditor regarding the validity, amount, or terms of a debt. It often involves the debtor disputing the debt’s accuracy or claiming unfair collection practices.
• Product, pricing or customer disputes: these can occur when a customer wants a refund but you’re not sure who is at fault, or when you run a franchise and your franchisor creates an offer that means you’ll be selling a product at a loss.
• Property disputes, which involve conflicts over real estate matters, such as ownership, boundaries, leases, or land use.
• Building and construction disputes, where we can help with disagreements over construction quality, delays, or contractual issues.

Civil dispute resolution involves resolving conflicts between individuals or entities outside of criminal matters. It’s a way to settle disagreements through negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings, aiming for fair solutions without resorting to criminal charges.

Workplace disputes can include conflicts over contracts, discrimination, harassment, wages, or unlawful termination. We help address these issues professionally, ensuring a harmonious work environment and fair outcomes for all parties involved.

Franchise disputes relate to disagreements between franchisors and franchisees. These can cover areas like contract terms, royalties, or territorial rights. Our expert team navigates these disputes, safeguarding your interests and striving for amicable resolutions. 

IP disputes concern intellectual property, like patents, trade marks, and copyrights. If someone uses your ideas or creations without permission, we offer strategic guidance and legal support to protect your intellectual property rights effectively.

Shareholder disputes can arise over control, decision-making, or distribution of profits in a company. We specialise in handling such conflicts, employing negotiation and legal action if necessary, to ensure fair resolutions and maintain business stability.