Personal Law > Dispute Resolution

Civil Disputes

Civil Dispute Resolution 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.

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Our lawyers regularly advise clients across South Yorkshire and beyond on a broad range of civil disputes. 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. Every dispute is different. For that reason, we take the time to understand the circumstances of each case before recommending a strategy that reflects both the legal position and the client’s objectives.

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. While this page focuses on disputes affecting individuals, Foys also advises businesses on a range of Commercial Dispute Resolution matters. Civil disputes can arise in many different situations, each requiring careful consideration of both the legal and practical issues involved. Our Civil Dispute Resolution team advises clients across a wide range of disputes. You can explore further information about the specific areas we cover below. 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 If you are involved in a civil dispute or believe you may have a potential claim, our team can provide clear advice on your legal position and the steps available to resolve the matter. Early legal advice can often help prevent disputes from escalating and improve the prospects of achieving a positive outcome.

The areas of Dispute Resolution we cover include

Professional Negligence

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Contentious Trusts and Probate Disputes

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Debt Recovery and Financial Disputes

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Property Disputes

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Landlord and Tenant Disputes

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Personal Injury Claims

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Contract Disputes

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Boundary and Neighbour Disputes

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TESTIMONIAL

FAQ'S

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: Contract disputes Personal injury claims Commercial disputes Landlord and tenant disputes Contentious probate and contested estate matters While we are able to assist with the majority of civil disputes, some areas of law are particularly specialised — such as defamation, privacy law, or judicial review. In those circumstances, we will always 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.

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