What is Dispute Resolution?
Dispute resolution is the process of resolving legal disagreements and disputes between two or more parties. Disputes can arise over many matters within various sectors, from disputes between company directors and shareholders, employers and employees, to landlords and tenants.
At AFG Law, our primary aim is to resolve all forms of disputes swiftly and cost effectively wherever possible. This not only enables us to keep our clients out of Court but also provides a high standard of service that prioritises practical solutions, minimises stress, and protects our client’s best interests at every stage of the process.
If it becomes necessary, our team of dispute resolution solicitors can expertly represent clients during Court proceedings. We pride ourselves on taking a broad commercial approach to litigation and dispute resolution, collaborating closely, where necessary, with barristers and experts to achieve the best result.
Our specialist litigation solicitors have a wealth of expertise in a wide range of civil and commercial disputes. Our goal is to maximise your chances of bringing your dispute to a successful conclusion whilst minimising your costs and risk.
Our team understand that every dispute is unique, and we offer tailored guidance and support that are always in our client’s best interests. Whether you are facing a business dispute or a private civil dispute, our department strives to be reasonable in cost, transparent in our approach, and committed to achieving the most favourable outcome in the most efficient way possible.
If you are in search of specialist legal advice regarding dispute resolution, then please do not hesitate to get in touch with our dispute resolution solicitors in Manchester today. Our team have many years of experience in resolving disputes in a wide range of areas, including commercial disagreements, property disputes, contract issues, and civil litigation. We’re here to help you find a clear path forward, no matter how complex your situation may be.
Common Disputes a Dispute Resolution Solicitor in Manchester can assist with
Our dispute resolution solicitors always aim to settle issues out of Court and in an amicable manner. We cover a wide range of disputes between individuals and businesses:
Breach of contract: We help individuals and businesses resolve contract disputes efficiently, whether the issue involves unpaid fees, non-delivery of services, or failure to meet agreed terms.
Director and shareholder disputes: Our team provides clear legal advice to resolve internal company disputes, protecting both personal and business interests while aiming to avoid prolonged disruption.
Supply of goods and services disagreements: Whether you’re a supplier or a customer, we can assist in disputes over faulty goods, late delivery, or service quality to help achieve a fair resolution.
Professional negligence claims: If you’ve suffered financial loss due to poor advice or service from a professional, such as a solicitor, surveyor, or accountant, we can guide you through the claims process.
Boundary disputes: We offer practical solutions to help resolve disputes over land ownership, fence placement, and access rights, helping you avoid escalation.
Landlord and tenant disagreements: From unpaid rent to property damage and eviction notices, we advise both landlords and tenants on their rights and responsibilities under tenancy law.
Debt recovery: We act swiftly to help you recover outstanding debts through negotiation, formal letters, and, where necessary, court action.
County court judgments: If you need help enforcing a CCJ or defending against one, our solicitors can provide prompt and strategic legal support.
Winding up petitions: We assist with both issuing and defending winding up petitions, helping protect your business interests during financial disputes.
Property litigation: Our team handles all types of property related disputes, including disputes over ownership, leases, and misrepresentation during transactions.
Neighbour disputes: Whether it’s noise, trespass, or shared access, we aim to resolve neighbour disputes with tact and minimal stress through legal negotiation or mediation.
Types of Dispute Resolution Methods
Our dispute resolution team works hard to come up with solutions that are fair to our clients. We specialise in many types of dispute resolution methods, and the route we take will often depend on the circumstances of the case, client preferences and whether there are any pre-agreed dispute resolution methods outlined in a relevant contract.
At AFG Law, alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is often our preferred method of resolving disputes. ADR refers to a range of private and constructive ways to resolve disagreements without going to Court. ADR methods include mediation, negotiation, and arbitration.
In many cases, ADR offers a faster, more cost effective, and far less stressful alternative to formal litigation. It allows parties to stay in control of the outcome, maintain relationships, and reach practical solutions that might not be available through the courts.
Importantly, the Courts of England & Wales now expect parties to consider ADR before issuing legal proceedings. A refusal to engage in ADR without good reason could result in adverse costs and consequences, even for the winning party.
Negotiation
Negotiation is a collaborative way to resolve disputes without the need for Court. With the support of a solicitor, parties can work towards a fair agreement that meets everyone’s needs. It’s often quick and cost effective, enabling parties to move on from their dispute with minimal stress and disruption.
Mediation
Mediation is where a specially trained neutral third-party mediator oversees discussions between the disputing parties and helps them to find an amicable solution. It is much less formal than traditional litigation and is currently one of the most popular forms of ADR. It must be noted, however, that any decision that is made during mediation is not legally binding.
Arbitration
An arbitrator is someone who is an expert in the subject matter of the dispute, listens to the evidence and arguments of all parties and makes a legally binding decision. This process is private, often faster than court proceedings, and offers a clear and final resolution without the need for litigation.
Adjudication
Adjudication is a quick dispute resolution process often used in pre-existing contractual relationships. A neutral adjudicator is appointed to review evidence and make a binding decision (typically within 28 days) helping parties maintain their commercial relationship without lengthy delays.
Expert Determination
This involves appointing a qualified expert to make a binding decision on a specific technical or specialist issue. It’s a confidential and efficient way to resolve disputes where expert knowledge is essential.
If all relevant ADR methods have been tried and failed, then our dispute resolution solicitors, Manchester, are able to represent clients through traditional litigation.
How can AFG Law’s Dispute Resolution Solicitors in Manchester help?
Our dispute resolution solicitors, Manchester, are here to provide specialist advice and support to clients, no matter the subject or complexity of their dispute.
We take pride in working with our clients and everyone we engage with in an open, respectful, and supportive way. Committed to the highest professional standards, we offer clear and practical legal advice to clients on a wide range of dispute matters. Our team regularly supports clients and businesses across Greater Manchester and beyond.
If you would like more information from our dispute resolution solicitors in Manchester, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us today. Contact our dispute resolution department on 01204 920101 or via email at disputeresolution@afglaw.co.uk.
Please note that AFG Law has offices based in Bolton, Bury and Stockport. However, our dispute resolution solicitors in Manchester can effectively assist clients remotely in all areas of Greater Manchester.