Resolving disputes without going to court is generally preferable to litigation. As well as being cheaper and quicker, alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is less adversarial; making it more likely the parties can resume a constructive relationship in future.
Our solicitors are highly experienced at applying the different methods of ADR in business and family disputes. Our expertise includes:
- negotiation directly with the other party or via solicitors
- mediation
- collaboration
- arbitration
We can recommend which method would be most suitable for your own situation.
Mediation
Mediation is a voluntary and flexible process, tailored to meet the needs of the parties. The mediator is an impartial third party whose role is to help parties communicate and work toward a solution. There are terms and conditions that all parties, including the mediator, are bound to.
We have a number of experienced mediators, and have mediated cases involving business disputes, housing matters, workplace issues, consumer complaints, and numerous family disputes.
Collaboration
Collaborative law is commonly used in family disputes, especially relationship breakdowns and discussions over future arrangements for children.
Both spouses retain separate lawyers, and negotiations take place in “four-way” settlement meetings that both clients and solicitors attend. There is a commitment to avoid litigation.
Arbitration
In arbitration, a legally trained solicitor or advocate decides on the dispute. This can be helpful for unblocking situations where a single issue of principle is preventing overall agreement. We have used arbitration in scenarios from family law to rural partnership disputes, and can advise on whether it would suit your situation.
