Trusted legal advice to aid dispute resolution
We offer practical legal advice to help clients resolve disputes. Our dispute resolution solicitors have experience handling a variety of different types of disputes and are always looking to use our expertise to help our clients.
No matter the type of dispute, our team will support you in any way can. We have successfully resolved a variety of disputes and will always provide a bespoke service based on your unique circumstances.
How do you get started?
If you're looking for help resolving a dispute, we always advise getting in touch with us as soon as you can. We can get to work on your case straight away. After an initial discussion, we'll assess your case and inform you of the best course of action.
Call us on 01422 200400 or contact us through the website and we will come back to arrange a time to speak with you in more detail.
What's the dispute resolution process?
There are a few routes you can take in the dispute resolution process. Most disputes usually begin with one party bringing the case to a solicitor, who will then communicate with the other party involved to inform them of the claim. From here, the dispute resolution process depends on the position of the other party. The route we then take is dependent on a variety of factors, such as:
- type of dispute
- the position of the other party
- your personal circumstances
At Valerie Holmes Law, we have experience with all types of dispute resolution and will always have an open discussion with you to decide which would be the most effective for your individual circumstances. We understand that disputes can be stressful so we'll always keep you updated with how things are progressing so we're always on the same page.
Types of dispute resolution
There are various ways of resolving disputes and our team is well-equipped to guide you through the process that best suits you. There's a misconception that, if you make a dispute claim, it's likely it will go to court. This isn't the case. Actually, around 90% of dispute claims are settled before they go to court, so please don't let this deter you from making a dispute resolution claim.
Here are the most common types of dispute resolution:
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): There are a few methods of ADR and these are recommended to the parties involved in a dispute by the courts. This is because ADR methods often lead to the dispute being resolved without going to court. ADR is cheaper and often more amicable than a dispute resolution case that goes to court.
Mediation: This is the most common type of ADR. Mediation is when all parties come together to discuss the dispute with the help of an impartial mediator. The mediator's role is to resolve the dispute by negotiating with the parties involved. Mediation is recommended for almost all dispute resolution cases because of how effective it is.
Arbitration: This is an alternative to litigation where the parties involved can each appoint their own arbitrator. The parties also get to choose the procedural rules in which the arbitration will take place. Another benefit of arbitration is that it's 100% confidential, as opposed to litigation which takes place in open court.
Litigation: This is the process of pursuing a claim through County or High Court where ADR methods have failed. Litigation sometimes results in a trial where a judge makes the final decision on the claim. That said, settlements can be agreed before the claim goes to trial. The main disadvantage to litigation is that it's the most expensive method of dispute resolution, and it can also take over a year to complete.
Our other services
Employment Law
We provide advice to help clients navigate workplace challenges. Our team has extensive experience in resolving various employment-related disputes.
Residential Conveyancing
Valerie Holmes provides specialist legal advice and services in residential and commercial conveyancing.
Wills, Trusts & Probate
If you have dependents and want to plan for the distribution of your assets in the event of your death, we can help you.