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Transparent pricing, from start to finishGet the support you need, when you need itTrusted lawyers, clear expectations
Amazing experience
After placing an enquiry, I received a call 20 minutes later, and then 2 hours later, I had a solicitor assigned to me. They were absolutely incredible right from the word go - amazing and very prompt with replies, answering all my questions and keeping the process moving. We finally completed today and I am so unbelievably happy. I wouldn’t hesitate to use Lawhive again in the future if needed.
Lily
First class service
I initially made an online enquiry about a tricky conveyancing matter and received an immediate call back. They understood straight away what was needed and gave me a quote that was very reasonable. It was such a pleasure to find someone who was cheerful, professional and completely reassuring as I’d been getting quite anxious about the sale of my house. The service Lawhive has provided is absolutely first class and I cannot recommend them enough.
Charles
Empathetic, professional and efficient
I am an executor, selling my mother's home. I found the assistance I received from Lawhive first rate - empathetic, professional and efficient.
Mark
Great service from Lawhive
We used Lawhive for our conveyancing needs and our solicitor was very helpful, patient and informative. She helped us with our needs with prompt responses and provided a very efficient service.
Kelvin
Great service when you need clarity and calm
Our solicitor was warm, friendly and provided crystal clear communication. A lot of conveyancers assume customers know everything about the process already, so it was really appreciated to hear each stage included in the price given.
Em
Quick and efficient
We used Lawhive for a transfer of property and conveyancing. Our solicitor was so helpful and thorough with the whole process. He responded quickly and efficiently to any questions or requests that we had and explained some of the more complicated issues regarding the process clearly.
Geri
Fantastic service and experience with Lawhive
I had the pleasure of working with Lawhive doing a transfer of equity on a property. Our solicitor’s service was amazing, she responded quickly to any questions or concerns and kept me updated throughout the process. I can strongly recommend her for any conveyancing work that you may need. Fantastic service all round.
Jane
Amazing experience
After placing an enquiry, I received a call 20 minutes later, and then 2 hours later, I had a solicitor assigned to me. They were absolutely incredible right from the word go - amazing and very prompt with replies, answering all my questions and keeping the process moving. We finally completed today and I am so unbelievably happy. I wouldn’t hesitate to use Lawhive again in the future if needed.
Lily
First class service
I initially made an online enquiry about a tricky conveyancing matter and received an immediate call back. They understood straight away what was needed and gave me a quote that was very reasonable. It was such a pleasure to find someone who was cheerful, professional and completely reassuring as I’d been getting quite anxious about the sale of my house. The service Lawhive has provided is absolutely first class and I cannot recommend them enough.
Charles
Empathetic, professional and efficient
I am an executor, selling my mother's home. I found the assistance I received from Lawhive first rate - empathetic, professional and efficient.
Mark
Great service from Lawhive
We used Lawhive for our conveyancing needs and our solicitor was very helpful, patient and informative. She helped us with our needs with prompt responses and provided a very efficient service.
Kelvin
Great service when you need clarity and calm
Our solicitor was warm, friendly and provided crystal clear communication. A lot of conveyancers assume customers know everything about the process already, so it was really appreciated to hear each stage included in the price given.
Em
Quick and efficient
We used Lawhive for a transfer of property and conveyancing. Our solicitor was so helpful and thorough with the whole process. He responded quickly and efficiently to any questions or requests that we had and explained some of the more complicated issues regarding the process clearly.
Geri
Fantastic service and experience with Lawhive
I had the pleasure of working with Lawhive doing a transfer of equity on a property. Our solicitor’s service was amazing, she responded quickly to any questions or concerns and kept me updated throughout the process. I can strongly recommend her for any conveyancing work that you may need. Fantastic service all round.
Jane
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01 overview
Civil disputes can have a big impact on your personal or business life. As such, it's usually in everyone's best interests to resolve them effectively and efficiently to avoid prolonged stress.
Civil dispute resolution involves utilising a range of methods designed to resolve conflicts outside court. These methods are often faster, more cost-effective, and less adversarial than litigation, making them ideal for many situations.
Also, unlike court cases, which are typically public, many dispute resolution methods are private, helping to protect your privacy and business reputation.
Whether you're an individual facing a personal dispute or a business dealing with a commercial conflict, our network of experienced litigation solicitors is on hand to provide clear, straightforward advice on the best dispute resolution methods for your situation.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you find the best path forward in your civil dispute.
A civil dispute is when two or more parties - whether individuals, businesses, or other entities, disagree on a matter that doesn't involve criminal charges.
They typically concern rights, responsibilities, or other obligations that one party believes the other has not fulfilled.
Civil disputes can come about in various contexts, including:
Civil dispute resolution refers to the processes used to resolve conflicts between individuals or businesses in a civil (non-criminal) context.
Civil dispute resolution can be approached in two main ways:
Civil litigation is the process of resolving disputes through the court system. It involves formal legal proceedings where a judge makes a binding decision based on the evidence and arguments presented by both parties.
Litigation can be costly and time-consuming, often taking months or even years to resolve. As such, it is often seen as a last resort, however, it may be necessary if other civil dispute resolution methods have failed or if a legal precedent needs to be set.
Alternative dispute resolution uses various methods to resolve disputes outside of the courtroom. These methods are typically faster, less formal, and often more cost-effective than litigation where legal fees, court costs, and other expenses can quickly add up.
Common forms of alternative dispute resolution include
Mediation involves a neutral third party (the mediator) facilitating confidential discussions between disputing parties to help them reach an agreement.
This process is generally less expensive and quicker than litigation. It also allows parties to come up with creative solutions to problems that may not be available in court.
In arbitration, an arbitrator (or panel of arbitrators) decides on a resolution after hearing evidence and arguments from both parties. It is similar to court proceedings but is usually less formal and quicker.
Arbitration can be binding like c a court judgment or non-binding. In non-binding arbitration, the decision serves as a guideline and the parties can either accept it or pursue other options.
In adjudication, an adjudicator reviews the evidence and decides on a resolution in a short timeframe.
It is commonly used in construction disputes, where a quick resolution is needed to keep projects on track. Usually, the adjudicator's decision is temporary, providing a solution that allows work to continue while the dispute is fully resolved through arbitration or litigation if necessary.
In conciliation, a conciliator helps disputing parties reach an agreement by offering suggestions and recommendations. It is a collaborative process that aims to find a resolution that satisfies all parties involved.
It's often used in employment disputes, family law cases, and consumer complaints.
Understanding the legal framework and procedures involved in civil dispute resolution is essential for anyone involved in a civil dispute. Whatever the circumstances, knowing how the process works can help you navigate your case more effectively.
The Civil Procedure Rules govern the process of civil litigation in England and Wales. They ensure that cases are handled fairly, efficiently, and cost-effectively.
Before formally starting a legal claim, parties are encouraged to follow pre-action protocols such as exchanging information, attempting negotiation or mediation, and allowing the other party time to respond. Following these protocols can help avoid unnecessary litigation and reduce costs.
If a dispute can't be resolved through pre-action protocols, the next step is to file a claim with the court.
The court will then serve the claim on the defendant, who must respond within a specified time frame.
Once a claim is filed, the case moves through various stages. The Civil Procedure Rules set out how each stage should be conducted.
The goal is to make sure that the case is handled efficiently and that both parties have a fair opportunity to present their case.
The Civil Justice Council is an advisory body responsible for overseeing the development and reform of the civil justice system.
The CJC works to make sure that the system is fair, efficient, and accessible to all. It also promotes the use of alternative dispute resolution and other methods to resolve disputes without going to court.
When facing a civil dispute, choosing the right method to resolve the situation is important.
Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the nature of the dispute, the relationship between the parties, and the desired outcome.
The key benefits of litigation are:
Litigation can be expensive and time-consuming, often taking months or even years to resolve.
Furthermore, court proceedings are typically public, meaning that the details of your case will be accessible to anyone. This can be a disadvantage if you want to keep the dispute private.
ADR is generally:
This means parties involved have more control over the proceedings and can reach a resolution that meets their needs.
Some forms of alternative dispute resolution may have non-binding outcomes which can lead to further disputes or litigation.
There's also always the risk that the parties may not reach an agreement. So, if ADR fails, the dispute may still end in litigation, leading to additional costs and delays.
At Lawhive, our network of litigation solicitors is on hand to provide clear, practical advice on the best dispute resolution method for your situation.
Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in resolving your dispute.
In a civil dispute, following these steps can help you reach a fair and efficient resolution.
The first step in resolving a civil dispute is to seek legal advice.
A litigation solicitor will assess your situation, review the facts, and provide you with a clear understanding of your legal position. This initial assessment helps you understand your rights, the strength of your case, and the potential outcomes.
Your solicitor will explain the different methods available for resolving the dispute and you'll also receive advice on the risks, costs, and benefits of each option, so you can make an informed decision on how to move forward.
As we've mentioned previously, before formally starting legal proceedings, it's often beneficial to follow pre-action protocols.
During this stage, both parties exchange information and documents. Your solicitor can also help facilitate discussions with the other party to reach a mutually agreeable settlement.
If negotiation doesn't lead to a resolution, you may consider alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation or arbitration.
Depending on the nature of the dispute and the relationship between the parties, different resolution methods may be more appropriate.
| Method | Ideal For: |
| Mediation | Disputes where maintaining a relationship is important. |
| Arbitration | Commercial disputes. |
| Adjudication | Construction disputes . |
If you choose ADR, the process will be conducted by a qualified mediator, arbitrator, or adjudicator.
If ADR doesn't end with a resolution, or if the nature of the dispute requires formal legal intervention, the case may proceed to court.
Your solicitor will file the claim, including preparing and submitting all necessary documents.
The dispute will be heard before a judge, who will make a legally binding decision.
Once a judgment or settlement is reached, if the other party does not comply, legal action may be required to enforce it.
While every case is different, here's a general timeline for a civil litigation case:
| Stage | Timeline |
| Pre-Action Protocols | 1-3 months |
| Filing the Claim | 1-2 months |
| Defendant's Response | 14-28 days |
| Case Management | 3-6 months |
| Final Hearing | 6-12 months after the claim is filed |
If parties choose to engage in mediation or another form of Alternative Dispute Resolution before or during litigation, this can either extend the timeline or save time if it leads to a settlement.
The costs involved in civil dispute resolution can vary widely depending on the method of resolution chosen, the complexity of the case, and how long it takes to resolve the dispute.
Litigation is often seen as the most expensive form of dispute resolution because of the formal processes involved and the potential length of time it can take.
Costs include:
ADR methods are generally more cost-effective than litigation.
Fees typically depend on the hourly or daily rate of the mediator, arbitrator, adjudicator, or conciliator and the duration of the process.
The cost is usually shared between the parties, making it more affordable.
At Lawhive, we offer clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees, so you know exactly what to expect.
Contact us today for transparent advice on the likely costs involved and the most cost-effective method for resolving your dispute.
When you're involved in a civil dispute, the guidance of an experienced solicitor can make a significant difference in achieving a fair and efficient resolution.
One of the first and most important roles of a solicitor is to provide clear, practical legal advice tailored to your situation. They can help you understand your rights, the strength of your case, and the potential outcomes.
Lots of civil disputes can be resolved through negotiation without the need for formal legal proceedings. A solicitor can represent you during these negotiations and, if an agreement is reached, they will draft the necessary documents to formalise the settlement and make sure it is legally binding.
A solicitor can help prepare your case and represent you during mediation, arbitration, or adjudication.
They can also advise on any offers or settlements.
If litigation is necessary, a solicitor can manage all aspects of the court process, including:
If the other party doesn't comply with a judgment or settlement, your solicitor can take enforcement action and provide ongoing support.
In short, having an experienced solicitor by your side ensures your rights are protected, your case is handled efficiently, and you have the best chance of achieving a favourable outcome.
Our network of experienced litigation solicitors is dedicated to providing comprehensive support throughout every stage of civil dispute resolution.
Here's why you should choose Lawhive:
Whether you're facing a civil dispute or need advice on your options, we're here to help you find the best resolution.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation and quote for the services of a specialist lawyer.
With straightforward pricing - so you know exactly what to expect at every step.
