Dispute Resolution

Disagreements happen – in business, in personal matters, and between neighbours – but they don’t always have to end up in court. Dispute resolution is about finding a fair, workable solution without unnecessary delay, cost, or stress. At Howard & Over, we help you resolve conflicts quickly and effectively, using the best approach for your circumstances, including alternative dispute resolution (ADR) where appropriate.

More About Dispute Resolution

Whether you’re dealing with a contract disagreement, a workplace issue, a property boundary clash, or another civil dispute, our experienced experts will guide you through your options. We provide clear, practical advice from the outset, explaining the pros and cons of each route and helping you choose the one that best protects your interests.

Our aim is simple: to resolve your dispute in the most efficient, cost-effective way possible, while reducing stress and preserving important relationships wherever we can.

Specialist Areas
Our team specialises in a wide range of legal areas, allowing us to provide comprehensive advice and representation in various types of disputes. Some of the areas of law we advise on include:
Personal Injury

If you have suffered an accident that wasn’t your fault, early advice can make all the difference. We can help you assess your claim, gather evidence while it’s fresh, and explore settlement options to secure the compensation you deserve without unnecessary delay.
Many personal injury claims are resolved through negotiation or mediation, covering losses such as medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. Common examples include road accidents, cycling accidents, workplace injuries, slips, trips and falls, incidents involving animals, holiday injuries, food poisoning, public transport accidents, and sporting injuries.
For more information surrounding our personal injury services, click here.

Contested Wills & Probate

Disputes over Wills or the administration of estates can be highly sensitive and emotionally charged. If you believe a Will does not reflect the deceased’s true wishes, or you have
concerns about its validity, we can guide you through the process of challenging it. We aim to resolve such matters through open discussion or mediation wherever possible, helping to protect family relationships and reduce the stress of a formal court dispute.

Professional Negligence

When a professional such as an accountant, architect, or builder fails to meet the standard of care expected in their field, it can cause serious financial loss. We can advise you on the strength of your claim, help you gather supporting evidence, and work towards an early resolution, whether through negotiation, round table meetings, or other ADR methods, so you can recover your losses quickly and effectively.

Boundary Disputes

Neighbour disputes over boundaries, rights of way, or land use can escalate quickly if left unresolved. We will review your deeds, surveys, and other records to clarify your position, then work to reach an agreement that avoids the expense and strain of prolonged court proceedings. This may involve mediation, facilitated negotiations, or formal boundary agreements.

Disputes can arise in many different areas of law, each bringing its own challenges and complexities. Whether you are pursuing a claim or defending one, having the right legal advice at the right time can make all the difference to the outcome. At Howard & Over, our team has the specialist knowledge and practical experience to handle your case with skill and care, whatever the circumstances. We focus on achieving the best possible result for you while keeping the process clear, manageable, and cost-effective. If you are facing a dispute in any of these areas, speak to our experts today and take the first step towards resolving it.

Alternative Dispute Resolution
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is the process of settling disputes without going through the full court process. ADR can often lead to a faster, less expensive, and less confrontational outcome than litigation, while keeping matters more private and preserving working or personal relationships.

ADR is flexible – it can be tailored to your specific situation and used at almost any stage of a dispute, even after court proceedings have begun. Many courts now actively encourage parties to attempt ADR before a case reaches trial, and at Howard & Over we take the same approach, exploring these options early to give you the best chance of a timely, cost- effective, and positive resolution.

Common forms of ADR include:
Mediation

A neutral, trained mediator works with both parties to explore the issues and help them reach a voluntary, mutually acceptable agreement. The mediator doesn’t decide the outcome but facilitates open, constructive communication. Mediation is often used in employment disputes, neighbour disagreements, commercial conflicts, and family-related matters.

Arbitration

An independent arbitrator (or panel) listens to both sides, reviews the evidence, and makes
a legally binding decision. Arbitration is particularly common in commercial contracts and
construction disputes, and is usually faster and more confidential than going to court.

Round Table Negotiations

This is an informal but structured meeting where all parties, along with their legal
representatives, sit down together to discuss the issues face-to-face. The aim is to find
common ground and agree a settlement without the need for formal proceedings. Round table negotiations can be particularly effective in disputes where ongoing relationships
matter, or where open communication may help resolve misunderstandings quickly.

Choosing the right ADR method can make the difference between a drawn-out, costly
conflict and a swift, practical resolution. Our role is to guide you through the options,
prepare you for the process, and represent your interests effectively at every stage.
Whether through mediation, arbitration, or round table negotiations, we work to achieve
an outcome that is fair, and tailored to your needs. If ADR is right for your situation, get in
touch with our experts today and we will help you make the most of its advantages so you
can move forward with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is dispute resolution different from litigation?
Litigation means taking a case through the courts. Dispute resolution includes methods that avoid a trial, such as Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). ADR is often faster, more cost-effective, and less stressful than court proceedings, and it can be used at almost any stage of a dispute.
Will I have to go to court?

Not necessarily. Many disputes can be resolved without going to court, and we will always explore negotiation or ADR first. If those approaches are not successful or appropriate, we can then advise you on taking the matter to court.

How long does dispute resolution take?

Timeframes vary depending on the complexity of the dispute and the willingness of all parties to cooperate. Some matters can be settled in days or weeks, where others may take several months. ADR generally offers a much quicker route to resolution than a full court case.

How much will it cost?

Costs depend on the complexity of the dispute, the ADR method used, and how quickly it can be resolved. At Howard & Over, we will give you clear, upfront estimates and keep you informed throughout so there are no surprises.

Can ADR still be used if court proceedings have started?

Yes. ADR can be used at almost any point in a dispute, even after legal proceedings have begun. In many cases, reaching a settlement partway through a case can save significant time, expense, and stress.

Our Dispute Resolution Team

We speak your language to help you with your legal needs.

Expert legal advice from normal people

Would you like us to Call you back?

Law Society Legail Awards Winner 2023

In 2023, we won the prestigious award for Law Firm of the Year!

There is something so special about being a small law firm with big ambitions, where dedication, expertise, and personalised service come together to achieve remarkable results, and we're excited to continue making a difference for our clients and community!

Get a Quote

Take the first step toward resolving your legal matters with ease. Click below to get a tailored quote from our experienced solicitors. We’re here to provide clear, transparent, and competitive pricing for the expert services you need. Let’s make your legal journey straightforward and stress-free.