For individuals · Personal dispute resolution
Resolving disagreements before they grow
A dispute with a neighbour, a builder or a family member can take over everyday life. We help you understand your position and look for a proportionate way through it.
Overview
Most personal disputes start small: an unpaid loan, a boundary fence, building work that wasn’t finished, a disagreement about a shared home. Left alone, they can become stressful and expensive. Getting clear advice early often makes it easier to resolve things sensibly.
Court is a last resort, and the rules reflect that. Before issuing a claim, parties are expected to follow pre-action steps: setting out the claim in writing, exchanging key information and considering whether the dispute can be settled, including through mediation. Courts can take into account how each side behaved when deciding who pays costs.
We will tell you honestly whether a claim looks worth pursuing, and whether the cost and time involved are proportionate to what is at stake. Sometimes a well-written letter is enough. Sometimes more is needed. Either way, you will know where you stand.
When you might need us
- Someone owes you money and has stopped responding
- A builder or tradesperson has left work unfinished or defective
- You are in a disagreement with a neighbour about a boundary or right of way
- You and a former partner or relative disagree about the share of a jointly owned property
- You have concerns about how a will or estate is being dealt with
- You have received a letter before claim and aren’t sure how to respond
What we cover
Money and contract disputes
We help recover money owed under loans, contracts or informal arrangements, and advise if a claim is being made against you.
Disputes with builders and traders
We look at what was agreed, what went wrong and what remedies may be available, then help you pursue them in a proportionate way.
Neighbour and boundary disputes
Boundary disagreements can be surprisingly difficult. We review the title documents and plans and look for a practical resolution before positions harden.
Disputes about a shared home
Where people who aren’t married disagree about their interests in a property, we advise on the legal position and on options for resolving it.
Inheritance disputes
We advise beneficiaries, family members and executors where there is a disagreement about a will or how an estate is being run.
Responding to claims
If you receive a letter before claim or court papers, we help you respond properly and on time.
How we approach it
Assess the position
We look at the documents and the facts and give you an honest view of the strengths and weaknesses on both sides.
Weigh proportionality
We compare what is at stake with the likely cost, time and stress of pursuing it, so you can decide with your eyes open.
Try to settle early
We follow the pre-action steps and explore negotiation or mediation. Many disputes settle at this stage.
Proceed if needed
If a court claim is the right step, we prepare it carefully and keep you informed about costs and progress.
What you can expect from us
- An honest view of whether a dispute is worth pursuing
- Clear information about costs at the start and as things develop
- A named contact who knows the detail of your case
- A focus on practical, proportionate outcomes
- Plain-English updates at each stage
Who you will work with
Related insights
Questions clients often ask
Do I have to try to settle before going to court?
Courts expect parties to follow pre-action steps, exchange information and consider settlement, including mediation or other forms of alternative dispute resolution. Unreasonably refusing to engage can affect the costs a court orders. Many disputes settle during this stage.
What is a letter before claim?
It is a letter setting out the claim, the facts relied on and what is being asked for, giving the other side a reasonable period to respond. It is a standard pre-action step. If you receive one, it is sensible to take advice and respond within the time given.
Will I get my legal costs back if I win?
Sometimes, but rarely all of them. Costs recovery depends on the type of case, the court track and how each side has behaved. On smaller claims, the costs you can recover may be very limited, which is one reason we look closely at proportionality.
Is there a time limit for bringing a claim?
Yes. Most claims must be brought within a set limitation period, which varies with the type of claim. If you think you may have a claim, please take advice promptly so time limits can be checked.
This page is general information about resolving personal disputes in England and Wales, not legal advice, and the right approach will depend on your individual circumstances. Harton & Vale Legal is a fictional firm created as a design concept, so nothing here is legal advice. About this concept.
Make an enquiry
Talk to us about personal dispute resolution.
Tell us briefly what has happened and what you would like to achieve. There is no obligation, and we will be straightforward about whether we are the right people to help.
We read your enquiry
A member of the relevant team reviews it, usually within one working day.
A short, no-obligation call
We ask a few questions, explain how we could help and outline the likely next steps.
Clear terms before any work
If you would like to go ahead, we confirm the scope, who will handle it and the costs in writing.