Dispute Resolution – Legal Advice for Individuals and Businesses Across Wiltshire
Disputes can arise in many different situations. They may involve neighbours, family members, businesses, contractors, landlords, tenants or property owners.
Whatever the cause, disputes can quickly become stressful, time-consuming and expensive if they are not dealt with properly. At Bonallack & Bishop, our Wiltshire litigation and dispute resolution solicitors help clients resolve disputes in a practical and cost-effective way.
We advise individuals, property owners and businesses throughout Wiltshire from our Salisbury and Amesbury offices. Whether you need help with a property dispute, a contract claim, debt recovery or a commercial disagreement, our experienced team can provide clear and straightforward legal advice.
Our objective is always to help clients achieve the best possible outcome while avoiding unnecessary conflict and expense wherever possible.
Looking for help with a dispute? Call our highly experienced litigation and dispute resolution solicitors on Salisbury 01722 422300 or Amesbury 01980 622992 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.
Supporting Clients Throughout Wiltshire
Our solicitors act for clients across Wiltshire, including:
- Salisbury
- Amesbury
- Trowbridge
- Chippenham
- Devizes
- Marlborough
- Warminster
- Melksham
- Tidworth
- Corsham
- Calne
Many disputes can now be handled remotely, allowing us to assist clients wherever they are based.
Litigation and Dispute Resolution Explained
A common misconception is that every legal dispute results in court proceedings. In reality, many disputes are resolved long before a judge becomes involved – Using a variety of processes known generally as alternative dispute resolution (ADR).
Dispute resolution will often mean that you can settle any dispute much more cheaply quicker and without the significant stress of a full court hearing. ADR can include:
- Negotiation
- Mediation
- Settlement discussions
- Arbitration
- Court proceedings
Litigation refers specifically to the court process. However, litigation is only one of several tools available for resolving disagreements.
The courts actively encourage parties to consider settlement and alternative dispute resolution before proceeding to a trial.
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Property and Land Disputes
Wiltshire has a large number of rural and semi-rural properties, meaning property disputes are particularly common. Our 2 specialist property litigation lawyers regularly advise on:
- Boundary disputes
- Rights of way disputes
- Easement disputes
- Access disputes
- Trespass claims
- Restrictive covenant disputes
- Land ownership disagreements
- Adverse possession claims
Many property disputes involve both legal and practical considerations. Early advice can often prevent matters escalating unnecessarily.
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Neighbour Disputes
Disputes between neighbours can become highly stressful because the parties often continue living close to one another after the dispute is resolved.
Common issues include:
- Boundary disagreements
- Trees and hedges
- Rights of way
- Access issues
- Noise complaints
- Property damage
- Trespass
Our solicitors focus on finding sensible and proportionate solutions wherever possible.
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Contract Disputes
A contract dispute may arise where one party believes another has failed to fulfil their obligations.
Examples include:
- Business contract disputes
- Supplier disagreements
- Customer disputes
- Building contract disputes
- Service agreement disputes
- Consumer claims
We can advise whether you have a claim and what options are available.
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Commercial Disputes
Business disputes can divert valuable time and resources away from running your business. We assist with:
- Partnership disputes
- Shareholder disputes
- Director disputes
- Business ownership disagreements
- Commercial contract disputes
- Professional negligence claims
- Debt recovery
Our advice is always focused on achieving a practical and commercially sensible outcome.
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Employment Disputes
Whether you are an employer or an employee, employment disputes can have significant financial and personal consequences. Examples include:
- Wrongful dismissal
- Unfair dismissal
- Redundancy issues
- Settlement agreements
- Employment contract disputes
- Workplace harassment
We will explain your legal options clearly and work with you to resolve your dispute through negotiation or, where necessary, tribunal proceedings.
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Debt Recovery
Unpaid debts can have a significant impact on both businesses and individuals.
We can assist with:
- Letters before action
- Recovery of unpaid invoices
- County Court claims
- Enforcement action
- Defending debt claims
Prompt action often improves the chances of successful recovery.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Many disputes can be resolved without litigatiom and a full court hearing. Alternative dispute resolution can include:
Negotiation – Direct discussions between the parties or their solicitors.
Mediation – A neutral mediator assists the parties in reaching a mutually acceptable solution.
Arbitration – An independent arbitrator hears the dispute and makes a binding decision.
ADR can often reduce costs, shorten timescales and preserve important relationships.
Wiltshire Litigation and Dispute Resolution Solicitors – Why Choose Bonallack & Bishop?
Clients choose our dispute resolution Solicitors because we offer:
- Practical legal advice
- Clear explanations in plain English
- Experienced litigation solicitors
- A realistic assessment of risks and prospects
- Support through negotiation, mediation and litigation
- Strong local knowledge of Wiltshire
We understand that every dispute is different and tailor our advice accordingly.
Wiltshire Litigation and Dispute Resolution Solicitors – Frequently Asked Questions
Can a solicitor help with a boundary dispute?
Yes. Boundary disputes are one of the most common property disputes. Dispute resolution solicitors can review title deeds, Land Registry documents and other evidence to help establish the legal boundary and advise on the options available.
What should I do if my neighbour blocks a right of way?
You should seek legal advice before taking action. A solicitor can investigate whether a legal right of way exists and advise on the best way to resolve the dispute, which may involve negotiation, mediation or court proceedings.
Can a dispute over land ownership be resolved without going to court?
Often, yes. Many land ownership disputes can be resolved through negotiation, mediation or other forms of dispute resolution. Court proceedings are usually considered only when a settlement cannot be reached.
What is an easement dispute?
An easement dispute involves rights over land owned by someone else, such as rights of way, drainage rights or access rights. These disputes can be complex and often require specialist legal advice.
How long does a property dispute take to resolve?
The timescale depends on the complexity of the dispute and whether the parties are willing to negotiate. Some disputes can be resolved within weeks, while others may take several months or longer.
Do I need solicitors for a neighbour dispute?
While not every neighbour dispute requires legal advice, obtaining advice at an early stage can help prevent the dispute escalating and may improve the chances of reaching an agreement.
What is mediation in a dispute?
Mediation is a process where an independent mediator helps the parties try to reach a mutually acceptable settlement. It is often quicker and less expensive than court proceedings.
Can I recover my legal costs if I win a dispute?
In many cases, the successful party may recover some of their legal costs from the other side. However, costs recovery is never guaranteed and will depend on the circumstances of the case. For most claims worth less than £10,000 that are dealt with on the small claims track, legal costs are generally not recoverable from the other party. As a result few people choose to use solicitors in cases worth under £10,000
What evidence is useful in a property dispute?
Useful evidence may include title deeds, Land Registry documents, plans, photographs, correspondence, witness evidence and historical documents relating to the property.
When should I contact a dispute resolution solicitor?
It is usually sensible to seek legal advice as soon as a dispute arises. Early advice can help protect your position, preserve evidence and improve the prospects of resolving the matter successfully.
Speak to Our Wiltshire Litigation Solicitors
If you are involved in a dispute and would like practical legal advice, contact Bonallack & Bishop today.
Our Wiltshire litigation and dispute resolution solicitors can explain your options, assess your position and help you move forward with confidence.

