Dispute Resolution Solicitors

Navigating the complexities of legal disputes requires expertise and a dedicated team committed to protecting your interests and achieving the best possible outcome.

At Bennett Griffin, our dispute resolution solicitors bring together a unique blend of experience, professionalism, and a client-centred approach to guide you through every stage of resolving civil disputes.

Whether you’re dealing with contract disagreements, property issues, or any other form of dispute, our West Sussex-based team is here to offer the support and legal advice you need to move forward with confidence.

Contact our West Sussex team today to see how we can help.

How Can Our Dispute Resolution Solicitors Help?

Our team of dispute resolution solicitors has a wealth of experience in handling a wide range of civil disputes.

Our areas of expertise include, but are not limited to:

• Contract Disputes
• Wills, Trusts and Estates Disputes
• Probate and Executor disputes
• Builder Disputes
• Property Disputes, including boundary and neighbour disputes
• Landlord and Tenant matters
• Defamation
• Professional negligence claims
• Consumer Rights issues

We pride ourselves on our ability to offer personalised, strategic advice tailored to your specific needs, ensuring the best possible outcome for your case.

What Are Civil Disputes?

Civil disputes are conflicts between individuals, businesses, or a combination of both over the legal obligations they owe to one another.

These can encompass a wide range of issues, including, but not limited to, contract disagreements, property disputes, and professional negligence.

Understanding what civil disputes are is the first step in navigating the complexities of resolving them effectively.

Civil Dispute Resolution Options

Resolving civil disputes effectively requires an understanding of the available options, which broadly fall into two categories: Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and litigation (Court proceedings).

Both of these options will often start with a process of information gathering and negotiation.

Sometimes, both ADR and Court proceedings will be required if, for example, ADR fails and the dispute is still not resolved.

Each pathway offers distinct advantages and considerations, depending on the nature of the dispute, the relationship between the parties involved, and the desired outcome.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

ADR encompasses several methods for resolving disputes outside the courtroom, providing a more flexible, often less costly, and sometimes quicker means of reaching a settlement.

The most common forms of ADR include:

• Mediation: A neutral third party, known as a mediator, facilitates discussions between the disputing parties to help them reach a mutually acceptable agreement. The mediator does not make decisions for the parties but seeks to help them communicate more effectively.
• Arbitration: In arbitration, a neutral arbitrator (or panel of arbitrators) listens to the arguments and evidence from both sides and then makes a decision that can be either binding or non-binding based on the agreement between the parties beforehand.
• Conciliation: Similar to mediation, conciliation involves a third party who assists the disputing parties in resolving their dispute by improving communication, identifying issues, and exploring potential solutions. However, conciliators may play a more active role in suggesting outcomes.
• Negotiation: The parties involved communicate directly with each other (or their legal representatives) to try to resolve their dispute without the involvement of a third party or the Court. Such negotiations may take place in person or in writing through correspondence.

Litigation

Litigation, instigating Court proceedings, may be the necessary path when ADR is not successful or appropriate.

This process involves presenting the case in a Court of law, where a judge will make a final, legally binding decision.

Litigation can be more time-consuming and expensive than ADR and typically involves several stages, including preparing pleadings (the documents required to formally issue a case at Court), directions (setting out a timetable of actions for the parties to adhere to), disclosure (one of the directions steps where the parties formally exchange information relevant to the case), witness evidence (taking statements from witnesses in the case), and potentially a final hearing/trial.

The choice between ADR and litigation depends on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the relationship between the parties, cost considerations, privacy concerns, and the need for a binding resolution.

Parties may sometimes start with ADR and move to litigation if a resolution is not reached.

Why Choose Bennett Griffin?

At Bennett Griffin, our dispute resolution team tailors strategies to align with your specific needs, utilising a strategic, proactive approach to navigate the complexities of your dispute effectively.

We understand the importance of transparency in managing legal costs, so we offer clear advice on all financial aspects of your case from the outset.

Our reputation for excellence is built on a foundation of successful outcomes and a commitment to achieving the best possible results for our clients.

Contact Our Dispute Resolution Team

If you’re facing a dispute and need expert legal advice, don’t hesitate to contact our dispute resolution team.

With offices in Chichester and Worthing, we’re conveniently located to support individuals and businesses across West Sussex.

Call us on 01903 229999 or 01243 256370.

Alternatively, you can email info@bennett-griffin.co.uk, and a member of our team will reply to you shortly.

Get in touch to discuss your case and discover how we can help you navigate the complexities of dispute resolution with confidence.

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