Expert Legal Advice for Individuals and Businesses in Salisbury
Disputes can be stressful, time-consuming and expensive. Whether you are involved in a disagreement with a neighbour, a customer, a contractor, a business partner or a family member, obtaining the right legal advice at an early stage can often make a significant difference to the outcome. At Bonallack & Bishop, our Salisbury litigation and dispute resolution solicitors help individuals and businesses resolve disputes as quickly and cost-effectively as possible. While some disputes inevitably end up in court, many can be settled through negotiation, mediation or other forms of alternative dispute resolution.
Our aim is always to achieve the best practical outcome for you while keeping costs and disruption under control.
If you need advice from experienced dispute resolution solicitors in Salisbury, our team is here to help.
Looking for help with a dispute? Call our highly experienced litigation and dispute resolution solicitors on Salisbury 01722 422300 for FREE initial phone advice – no strings attached.
Please note, we are usually unable to help people with non-personal injury small claims under £10,000 – for the simple reason that you cannot normally claim your legal costs back from the other side, even if you win.
What Is Litigation?
Litigation is the legal process used to resolve disputes through the courts. However, litigation is only one way of resolving a dispute. In many cases, disputes can be settled before court proceedings become necessary.
In contrast, dispute resolution is a broader term that includes:
- Negotiation
- Mediation
- Settlement discussions
- Alternative dispute resolution (ADR)
- Arbitration
- Court proceedings and litigation
Modern courts actively encourage parties to explore settlement wherever possible. As a result, many successful outcomes are achieved without a trial.
Your Salisbury Litigation and Dispute Resolution Solicitors – Why Choose Bonallack & Bishop?
We understand that every dispute is different. Some clients want an aggressive approach. Others want a practical commercial solution. Many simply want the problem resolved as quickly as possible so they can move on with their lives.
Our dispute resolution team focuses on providing clear advice and realistic guidance from the outset. Clients choose us because we offer:
- FREE initial phone advice
- Straightforward legal advice in plain English
- Experienced litigation solicitors
- Practical and commercially focused solutions
- Clear explanations of risks and likely outcomes
- Assistance with negotiation and settlement
- Representation throughout court proceedings where necessary
- A well-established local firm serving Salisbury and the surrounding area
We are committed to helping clients make informed decisions at every stage of a dispute.
Disputes We Can Help With
Our team deal with a full range of disputes for both private and commercial clients, which include the following:
• Property Disputes
Property disputes can arise between neighbours, landlords, tenants, property owners and developers.
Common examples include:
- Boundary disputes
- Rights of way disputes
- Easement disputes
- Access disputes
- Restrictive covenant disputes
- Property ownership disagreements
- Land disputes
- Trespass claims
- Nuisance claims
Property disputes can quickly become complex and emotionally charged. Early legal advice can often prevent a disagreement from escalating.
• Contract Disputes
A contract dispute arises when one party believes another has failed to meet their obligations.
Examples include:
- Breach of contract claims
- Supplier disputes
- Customer disputes
- Service agreement disputes
- Professional services disputes
- Consumer disputes
- Business-to-business disputes
We can advise on your legal position and help you pursue or defend a claim.
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Employment Disputes
Problems at work can be stressful for both employees and employers. Taking early legal advice can often prevent matters from escalating.
Examples include:
- Unfair dismissal
- Constructive dismissal
- Redundancy disputes
- Harassment claims
- Settlement agreements
- Breach of employment contract
We advise both employers and employees on resolving workplace disputes as quickly and cost-effectively as possible.
• Debt Recovery Disputes
Unpaid invoices and outstanding debts can have a serious impact on businesses and individuals.
Our team can assist with:
- Recovering unpaid debts
- Letter before action procedures
- County Court claims
- Enforcement action
- Defending debt claims
Where appropriate, we can explore settlement options before formal proceedings become necessary.
• Commercial Disputes
Business disputes can consume management time and damage commercial relationships.
We advise on a wide range of commercial disputes, including:
- Partnership disputes
- Shareholder disputes
- Director disputes
- Business ownership disagreements
- Contractual disputes
- Professional negligence claims
- Commercial debt recovery
Our focus is always on protecting your commercial interests and achieving a practical outcome.
• Neighbour Disputes
Neighbour disputes are among the most common types of dispute faced by homeowners.
Issues often involve:
- Boundaries
- Trees and hedges
- Rights of way
- Access issues
- Noise complaints
- Property damage
- Trespass
Because neighbour disputes often continue long after the legal issue has been resolved, a sensible and proportionate approach is frequently important.
• Professional Negligence Claims
Professionals owe duties of care to their clients.
Where those duties are breached and financial loss results, it may be possible to bring a professional negligence claim.
Claims can arise against:
- Solicitors
- Accountants
- Surveyors
- Architects
- Financial advisers
- Other professional advisers
Our team can advise on whether a claim may exist and the prospects of success.
Our Approach to Dispute Resolution
Many clients contact us believing that court proceedings are inevitable.In reality, that is often not the case.
Our first step is usually to understand:
- What has happened
- The evidence available
- The strengths and weaknesses of each side’s position
- The outcome you want to achieve
- Whether settlement is realistic
Once we understand the situation, we can recommend the most appropriate strategy. Depending on the circumstances, this may involve:
- Negotiation
- Formal correspondence
- Mediation
- Alternative dispute resolution
- Court proceedings
Every dispute requires a different approach.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Alternative dispute resolution refers to methods of resolving disputes without a trial. Common forms of ADR include:
-
Negotiation
Direct discussions between the parties or their solicitors.
-
Mediation
An independent mediator helps the parties reach a mutually acceptable solution.
-
Arbitration
A private process where an independent arbitrator makes a binding decision.
ADR can often:
- Save time
- Reduce legal costs
- Preserve relationships
- Provide greater flexibility
- Achieve quicker outcomes
The courts actively encourage parties to consider ADR wherever appropriate.
What Happens If Court Proceedings Become Necessary?
While many disputes settle before trial, some cases require court proceedings.
If litigation becomes necessary, we can guide you through every stage of the process. This may include:
- Reviewing evidence
- Preparing legal documents
- Issuing or defending court proceedings
- Managing disclosure obligations
- Instructing experts where required
- Negotiating settlement during proceedings
- Representing you through to trial
We will explain the process clearly and keep you informed throughout.
How Much Does Litigation Cost?
One of the most common questions we are asked is how much a dispute will cost.
Unfortunately, there is no simple answer because every case is different.
The overall cost will depend on factors such as:
- The complexity of the dispute
- The value of the claim
- The amount of evidence involved
- Whether expert evidence is required
- Whether settlement is achieved
- Whether court proceedings become necessary
We believe in providing clear information about likely costs and helping clients make informed decisions about how to proceed.
When Should I Speak to Dispute Resolution Solicitors?
Many people wait too long before obtaining legal advice. Getting the right advice from an experienced solicitor at an early stage can often:
- • Prevent a dispute from escalating
• Improve your negotiating position
• Preserve important evidence
• Reduce costs
• Increase the likelihood of settlement
Even if you are unsure whether you have a legal claim, an initial discussion can often clarify your options.
Salisbury Litigation Solicitors Serving Wiltshire and Beyond
Our dispute resolution team acts for clients in Salisbury and throughout Wiltshire, Hampshire and across England and Wales. Whether you are involved in a personal dispute or a complex commercial disagreement, we can provide practical legal advice tailored to your circumstances.
We understand that disputes can be worrying and disruptive. Our role is to help you understand your options, protect your interests and work towards the best possible outcome.
Speak to Our Salisbury Litigation and Dispute Resolution Solicitors
If you are involved in a dispute and would like clear, practical legal advice, contact Bonallack & Bishop today. Our experienced Salisbury litigation and dispute resolution solicitors can assess your situation, explain your options and help you take the next steps with confidence.
Salisbury Litigation and Dispute Resolution Solicitors – Frequently Asked Questions
What is litigation?
Litigation is the process of resolving a legal dispute through the courts. However, many disputes are settled before a trial takes place through negotiation, mediation or other forms of dispute resolution.
What is dispute resolution?
Dispute resolution is the process of resolving disagreements between individuals, businesses or organisations. It can include negotiation, mediation, arbitration and court proceedings. The aim is to achieve a fair and practical outcome as efficiently as possible.
Do I have to go to court to resolve a dispute?
No. Many disputes are resolved without court proceedings. Solicitors can often negotiate a settlement, arrange mediation or use other forms of alternative dispute resolution to avoid the time, expense and uncertainty of a court case.
How much does litigation cost?
The cost of litigation depends on the complexity of the dispute, the amount involved, the evidence required and whether court proceedings become necessary. A solicitor can usually provide an estimate of likely costs once the details of the dispute have been reviewed.
How long does a civil dispute take to resolve?
Some disputes can be resolved within a few weeks through negotiation, while others may take many months or longer if court proceedings are required. The timescale will depend on the nature of the dispute and the willingness of both parties to reach a settlement.
What is mediation?
Mediation is a voluntary process where an independent mediator helps the parties try to reach an agreement. The mediator does not decide who is right or wrong but assists the parties in finding a solution that both sides can accept.
What types of disputes can a litigation solicitor help with?
Litigation and dispute resolution solicitors can assist with a wide range of disputes including property disputes, neighbour disputes, contract disputes, debt recovery claims, professional negligence claims, commercial disputes and business disagreements.
What evidence do I need for a dispute claim?
The evidence required will depend on the type of dispute. Useful evidence may include contracts, emails, letters, photographs, invoices, witness statements and other documents that support your position.
Can I recover my legal costs if I win?
In many court cases, the successful party may recover some of their legal costs from the other side. However, costs recovery is not guaranteed and will depend on the circumstances of the case and the court’s decision.
When should I contact a litigation solicitor?
It is usually best to seek legal advice as soon as a dispute arises. Early advice can help protect your position, preserve evidence, avoid unnecessary mistakes and increase the chances of achieving a successful outcome.
