Raising a claim against another party can be complicated and extremely stressful. Because of this, most dispute resolution approaches aim to keep disputes out of the Courtroom and encourage both parties to reach an agreement or settlement with support from legal advisors.
Here we take a closer look at some of the most common types of dispute we see at the firm, and how we work with each party to resolve them by reaching a suitable settlement.
Estate Disputes
Losing a loved one is distressing and challenging, but when someone raises a dispute over a family member’s Will or Estate, emotions and relationships can become especially strained during this already difficult time.
There are many reasons people will contest a Will, including but not limited to, siblings disputing their inheritance, disinherited family members, adult children who haven’t been provided for and concerns regarding the circumstances surrounding how the Will was made.
If you’re contesting a Will or are involved in a Will dispute, then it’s best to speak to a legal professional as soon as you can.
Tips for Reaching an Estate Dispute Resolution
- Seek expert advice from specialist Solicitors who can give you legal advice and recommend the best course of action
- The sooner a dispute claim is raised the better, as there is more chance of reaching a settlement without the need for litigation.
- The litigation process can be expensive, slow down the inheritance process, and be very stressful. It’s usually better for all parties if this can be avoided.
Money Claim Disputes
If you’re owed money, or product or service from another person or company, you can raise a small claim sometimes referred to as a ‘money claim’. You should always bear in mind that financial disputes can be stressful and lengthy, and there is a chance that the party you’re claiming against still can’t pay you once it’s over. If you’re unsure where to begin or what your chance of success might be, speak to an experienced Solicitor about legal support and take some of the stress out of the claim process.
Tips for Reaching a Money Claim Dispute Resolution
- Contact a Solicitor who will review your claim and advise you on the strength of your case
- If you’re dealing with a company, follow their complaints process as you may be able to achieve a successful outcome without taking a legal route
- You may wish to pursue the formal mediation process to reach a settlement, as Court proceedings can be costly and take longer.
- You should also think about the cost of seeking payment or compensation compared to the amount you’d be paid if your claim was successful
Tenancy Disputes
If you are a tenant, or a landlord, and are unhappy about issues during the tenancy, you may be able to raise a tenancy dispute.
This type of dispute can arise for many reasons, for example, a tenant may view a rent increase as unexpected or unfair or feel that maintenance terms of the tenancy have been breached, or as a landlord you may have unpaid rent or have tenants that are refusing to move out.
Tips for Reaching a Tenancy Dispute Resolution
- Speak to a Solicitor who can advise you on things like deposit disputes, rent recovery, disrepair and possession claims, and recovery of property
- Gather any evidence or documentation you may have to strengthen your case
- Aim to resolve issues at a local level, however, Court proceedings may be necessary in complex cases or with particularly difficult tenants or landlords.
The solicitors at Nyland and Beattie in Widnes can help you find a suitable solution to different types of claims and disputes. Call us today on 0151 424 5656. Our legal team can offer professional advice on reaching settlements through formal mediation. Or if required, they can support your claim through Court proceedings to achieve the best outcome for you.