Personal Law > Civil Dispute Resolution

Civil Dispute Resolution

Whether the issue involves property, estates, contractual disagreements or financial claims, we take a practical and strategic approach aimed at resolving disputes as efficiently as possible.

Civil Disputes

Our lawyers regularly advise clients across South Yorkshire and beyond on a broad range of civil disputes.

Disputes can arise in many areas of everyday life. When they do, they can quickly become stressful, time-consuming and difficult to resolve without the right guidance. At Foys, our Civil Dispute Resolution team advises individuals on a wide range of personal disputes. We focus on providing clear, practical advice from the outset so that clients understand their position, the options available to them, and the most effective way forward. Where possible, we work to resolve disputes at an early stage through negotiation or other forms of alternative dispute resolution, helping clients avoid the cost and disruption often associated with litigation. However, where a matter cannot be resolved in this way, our lawyers have the experience to pursue or defend claims through the courts.

When Should You Seek Legal Advice?

Civil disputes often begin as relatively small disagreements but can escalate quickly if they are not addressed at an early stage.

Seeking legal advice early can help clarify your position, prevent matters from becoming more complicated, and increase the chances of resolving the dispute efficiently.

You may wish to seek advice if:

  • A dispute has arisen involving property, money or contractual obligations.

  • You believe someone has acted unfairly or in breach of an agreement.

  • You have received legal correspondence or a court document.

  • You are considering bringing a claim but are unsure of your legal position.

Our Civil Dispute Resolution team can review your situation and provide clear advice on the options available to you.

Speak to Our Civil Dispute Resolution Team

Once we understand the details of your situation, we will set out your legal position, the strengths and risks of your case, and the options available to you.

This may include resolving matters through negotiation or alternative dispute resolution, or pursuing or defending court proceedings where necessary.

We focus on giving clear, straightforward advice so you can make informed decisions about how you want to proceed.

You can explore the specific types of disputes we handle below.

The areas of Civil Dispute Resolution that we cover

Boundary and Neighbour Disputes

Disputes can arise over boundaries, rights of way, shared access, or the use of land - often involving issues such as fencing, extensions, or access routes. These matters can quickly become entrenched. We provide clear advice on your position and the options available to resolve the dispute.

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Contract Disputes

Disputes can arise where contractual obligations are not met, where there is uncertainty over the meaning or effect of key terms of a contract, or where services have been performed to a suboptimal standard. We advise on your rights and the options available to resolve disputes arising from breaches of contract

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Personal Injury Claims

Suffering an injury can have a significant impact, particularly where it affects your health, work, or finances. We act for clients in a wide range of personal injury claims, including road traffic accidents, workplace incidents, and other situations where injury has been caused by negligence. Our team provides clear advice on your claim and supports you in pursuing appropriate compensation.

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Landlord and Tenant Disputes

Disputes can arise at any stage of a tenancy, including rent arrears, possession, disrepair, or breaches of tenancy agreements. We act for both landlords and tenants in resolving these issues, providing clear advice and taking action where needed to achieve a practical outcome

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Property & Cohabitation Disputes

Disputes can arise over who owns a property, how it should be dealt with, or who is entitled to a share of its value. This is common between co-owners, former partners, or family members, particularly where financial contributions and beneficial interests are in dispute. These claims are often brought under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (TOLATA), along with related issues arising from property transactions or agreements.

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Debt Recovery and Financial Disputes

Disputes can arise where payments are not made, invoices are challenged, or liability for a debt is in dispute. This may include pursuing unpaid sums, responding to claims, or resolving disagreements over contractual payment obligations. We act for a variety of entities in recovering debts and defending claims, helping to bring matters to a clear and practical resolution

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Contentious Trusts and Probate Disputes

Disputes can arise over the validity of a will, the administration of an estate, or the actions of executors and trustees. This may include will challenges, Inheritance Act claims, disputes between beneficiaries, or concerns about how an estate or trust is being handled. These matters are often complex and can arise at an already difficult time, making it important to obtain clear advice at an early stage.

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Professional Negligence

Professionals such as solicitors, surveyors, accountants and financial advisers owe their clients a duty to exercise reasonable skill and care. Where that duty has been breached and financial loss has resulted, we can advise on the merits of a professional negligence claim and assist clients in pursuing appropriate remedies.

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TESTIMONIAL

"Grace was a pleasure to deal with in what was a tricky time to navigate. She answered my questions clearly and always made it easy to understand the legal side. I asked lots of questions and she was always happy to help in a clear and concise manner"

Gemma

Frequently Asked Questions

A civil dispute is a private case, which involves either individuals or individuals and organisations aiming to resolve an issue outside of criminal law.
It is possible for a civil dispute to be settled outside of court with the help of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) method – the method of resolving disputes without litigation. There are various alternative dispute methods, some more cost-effective and less stressful than others, that you can employ before heading straight to court, which is often more complex.
Every dispute is different, and the timeframe will depend on the nature of the case, its complexity, and the approach taken by the parties involved. Our aim is always to resolve matters as efficiently as possible. In many cases, disputes can be resolved through negotiation or other forms of resolution without the need for court proceedings. Once we understand the circumstances of your case and whether the other party intends to contest the claim, we will be able to provide you with a clearer indication of the likely timescales involved.
We recognise that the cost of pursuing or defending a claim is an important consideration for most clients. At the outset of your matter, we will explain our fee structure clearly and provide an estimate of the likely costs involved. We will also discuss whether any payments on account are required and keep you informed of costs as the matter progresses. Our approach is always to ensure you have a clear understanding of the financial position so that there are no unexpected surprises.
Not necessarily. Many disputes are resolved without the need for a final court hearing. The courts actively encourage parties to explore Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), such as negotiation or mediation, both before proceedings are issued and during the litigation process. Since October 2024, the Civil Procedure Rules have also given the courts wider powers to direct parties to engage in ADR where appropriate. In many cases, taking a constructive and practical approach at an early stage can help resolve disputes more quickly and cost-effectively.
In some circumstances, there may be options available to assist with the cost of pursuing a claim. For example, certain insurance policies, such as home or motor insurance, may include legal expenses cover. Trade union members may also have access to legal support through their union. Legal aid is no longer available for most civil disputes, although it may still apply in limited circumstances and we can advise you if this may be relevant. In appropriate cases, we may also be able to offer a Conditional Fee Agreement (often referred to as a “no win, no fee” arrangement). Where this is not suitable, we will agree a clear private funding arrangement with you before work begins. If your claim proceeds through the court process and is successful, you may also be able to recover a proportion of your legal costs from the other party, although this cannot be guaranteed at the outset.
Our Dispute Resolution team advises clients across a wide range of civil disputes, including but not limited to, contract disputes, personal injury claims, commercial disputes, landlord and tenant matters, cohabitation disputes, and contentious estate cases. While we are able to assist with the majority of civil disputes, certain areas of law are more specialised - such as defamation, privacy law, and judicial review. In those circumstances, we will guide you towards a trusted firm with the appropriate expertise.
The strength of a case will depend on a number of factors, including the available evidence, the legal issues involved, and the position taken by the other party. When you first contact us, we will discuss the background of your matter and provide an initial view on the merits of your claim or defence. If we are instructed to act for you, we will investigate the matter in more detail and advise you on the most appropriate strategy moving forward. Our aim is always to provide clear and realistic advice so that you understand both the strengths of your case and any potential risks.
If you believe you may have a legal dispute, it is usually best to seek advice at an early stage. Early legal advice can often help prevent matters from escalating and may open the door to resolving the issue more quickly. It can be helpful to gather any relevant documents or correspondence relating to the dispute before speaking with us, as this will allow us to understand the situation more fully. Once we have reviewed the circumstances, we will advise you on the options available and the most practical way forward.
After you contact our Dispute Resolution team, we will usually arrange an initial discussion to understand the background of your matter. During this conversation, we will explain how the process works, discuss potential funding options, and outline the next steps if you decide to proceed. If you choose to instruct us, we will then begin working on your case. This may involve reviewing documents, gathering further evidence, and contacting the other party where appropriate. Our focus throughout is to guide you through the process clearly and work towards achieving the best possible outcome.
It is not uncommon for disputes to become more difficult where the other party refuses to engage constructively or denies that there is a problem. In those circumstances, there are still a number of options available. Often, formal correspondence from solicitors can help bring the matter into focus and encourage the other party to engage in meaningful discussions. If this does not resolve the issue, it may be appropriate to begin formal legal proceedings so that the court can determine the dispute. Our role is to guide you through the available options, explain the potential risks and benefits of each approach, and take the steps necessary to protect your position while working towards a resolution.