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What is Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)?

Alternative Dispute Resolution is the name for a way of resolving disputes and complaints between consumers and traders without taking the case to court. The UK government has expressed a desire to encourage the development of ADR, as it expedites the process of dispute resolution and can help maintain a positive relationship between traders and consumers. The most common forms of ADR are:

  1. Mediation, in which an independent third party helps the parties in dispute to collaborate and reach a mutually agreeable outcome.
  2. Adjudication/arbitration, wherein the independent third party, or an impartial tribunal, hear all the facts and makes a legally-binding decision to resolve the dispute.

Through this type of negotiation, clients can significantly reduce disruption to their business and their lives from disputes, and save money on the costs associated with litigation.

 

What are the benefits of ADR?

The key benefits of ADR are as follows:

  • It saves time: disputes can often be settled far more quickly with ADR; often in just months or even weeks.
  • It’s less expensive: Cases resolved through ADR save on expenses like attorney fees, experts’ fees, court costs and other litigation costs.
  • Greater control over the process: ADR allows both parties to take a more active role in shaping the process and outcomes, with greater opportunity to give their side of the story than a trial would allow. With mediation, you may even be able to come to creative resolutions that a trial simply couldn’t enforce.
  • Preserve relationships: ADR is often less adversarial than litigation for dispute resolution. This can be important when the relationship between the parties needs preserving.

 

How can Gorvins help with ADR?

We have a team of experienced, expert alternative dispute resolution solicitors who can help you find the dispute resolutions you need without the matter going to court. Gorvins is a specialist law firm and independent third-party mediator with the skill and experience to help you achieve the best outcome when resolving a dispute.

To speak to one of our team, call today on 0161 930 5151 or email businessdisputeteam@gorvins.com. Alternatively, complete our online contact form and tell us about your circumstances.

 

Finding the right way to move forward

Litigation is a slow and costly process which no company or consumer wishes to be dragged through. Alternative dispute resolution exists to avoid going to trial, and there are many advocates who will tell you it is a superior method of resolving a conflict. The process is not restricted by certain legal procedures, and both parties will be able to play a more active part in coming to an agreement. Gorvins Solicitors want to help our clients resolve their disputes as swiftly as possible, and to reach resolutions that will satisfy both parties. Get in touch today and take the first steps in the process to end your dispute the right way.

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are some alternative dispute resolution techniques?

The most common types of ADR are mediation and arbitration. Mediation involves using an independent third-party to help reach a mutually acceptable outcome, while arbitration has that third-party consider all the facts and make a legally-binding decision to resolve the dispute.

Is ADR compulsory or legally binding?

ADR is not compulsory, but it could be in future. Any decisions made through mediation are not legally binding, but where arbitration is used, the decisions are final and legally binding.

What does ADR mean in legal terms?

ADR is designed to settle disputes between companies, or between a company and a customer, without resorting to litigation. Where arbitration is used, the eventual decisions are legally binding, meaning the dispute is settled once-and-for-all, and failure to comply could have consequences.

Why is ADR better than going to court?

The processes of ADR are usually less costly and more expeditious, taking collaborative approaches to help both parties understand one another positions and reach conciliation. ADR can even enable parties to come to more creative solutions which could not be legally imposed by a court.

As a consumer, whenever you purchase goods or services from a business, you will agree to their terms of service and their conditions.

In turn, service providers and businesses have a duty to ensure that goods are fit for purpose, comply with Trading Standard regulations, and are sold as described. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 protects your statutory rights when you purchase a product or service from a retailer. If these rights are breached and you feel you have been poorly mistreated then you may have a claim against the seller or supplier for compensation.

Contact a member of our dispute resolution team today at 0161 930 5151, email disputeresolutionteam@gorvins.com, or fill in the online form and someone will call you straight back to book a consultation.

How Do I Enforce My Consumer Rights?

It is important to follow the necessary complaint procedures in the first instance. By reading the seller or supplier’s terms and conditions you will gain a better understanding as to whether you need to open a claim. If the supplier refuses to fix and/or replace the faulty product or service, if you are refused a refund or if the product has been mis-sold to you then seeking expert legal advice is your next course of action. It is essential to instruct a consumer rights solicitor who can explain your options to you and advise you on the best course of action to resolve your consumer dispute swiftly and efficiently.

Small Claims

It is extremely important to note that if your claim is for less than £10,000, then it will be a small claim. Whilst this is still something that our consumer law solicitors can advise you on, you are not generally entitled to recover your legal costs in a small claim, even if you win your case.

How Can Our Consumer Law Solicitors Help?

We know that you may have lots of questions, and we have the answers. How much does it cost? Do I have a valid case? How long will it take? What are my chances of success? During our initial consultation, we will discuss your specific situation and provide you with clear and transparent information about our fees, the strength of your case, the estimated timeline, and your chances of success. 

We’ll take the time to listen to your concerns and answer any questions you may have, so you can feel confident and empowered throughout the legal process.

We understand that raising a claim against a seller or supplier is a daunting process, which is why we pride ourselves on having an expert consumer rights solicitors team, with a vast amount of experience in resolving a wide range of consumer disputes. Our consumer rights lawyers can offer you the necessary guidance, representation and legal advice to help you with your claim. We try, where necessary, to avoid the need to take the case to court and will attempt to resolve the dispute in arbitration using mediation with the other party involved. We will also explore alternative methods of funding which may be available to you in such cases and work with you to offer advice and support throughout the entire resolution process.

If you feel you have a consumer dispute and you would like more information on how to proceed, contact one of our specialist consumer rights lawyers today at 0161 930 5151, email disputeresolutionteam@gorvins.com, or fill in the online form and one of our consumer dispute solicitors will call you straight back to provide you with a free, no-obligation and confidential consultation.

There are a number of occasions when you may find yourself involved in a dispute and in need of legal support. This could be a situation at work, a dispute with your neighbour or in relation to a product or service. Regardless of the reason, times such as this can be very stressful and leave you feeling uncertain.

Contact our dispute resolution lawyers team today on 0161 930 5151 or e-mail disputeresolutionteam@gorvins.com for a free, no-obligation and confidential discussion. Alternatively, fill in our online form and we will call you back.

Our specialist dispute resolution solicitors in Manchester have many years of experience dealing with cases of this kind and are here to help you solve a broad range of disputes. Choosing Gorvins can give you the peace of mind that you have the full support of an expert legal team, who are likely to have dealt with a case identical to yours in the past. We will work on your behalf to protect your best interests, whilst resolving your dispute quickly and efficiently.

Gorvins Approach to Dispute Resolution

The dispute resolution solicitors team at Gorvins have an impeccable reputation for achieving the best possible results for our clients. Our team will be working around the clock, on your behalf, to conclude any ongoing conflicts that you may have with another party.
Our dispute resolution specialists will work closely alongside you so that we can ensure that all options have been exhausted to avoid court proceedings. However, where this isn’t possible, we will ensure that your best interests are heavily defended, to the point where you are entirely happy with the outcome.

Do I Have a Case For Dispute Resolution Solicitors?

There are a number of different dispute situations that you may find yourself in, where you need the assistance of a dispute resolution solicitor. Although we try to avoid court at all costs, in order to do this, it is important that you instruct a solicitor at the earliest opportunity so that we can give you the best legal advice to resolve your personal situation. As experts, we can provide practical, common-sense advice on dispute resolution procedures covering matters including:

How Can Gorvins Help With My Dispute?

At Gorvins, wherever possible we prefer to bring disputes and claims to a satisfactory resolution through negotiation and mediation. However, we recognise that there will be times when the parties involved in the dispute simply cannot agree among themselves and court action is necessary. Dispute law can be difficult and that’s why we’re always prepared to fight our clients’ corner with determination and robustness.

As one of the North West’s largest teams, our dispute resolution solicitors in Manchester have experience in many different kinds of disputes, offering legal advice and support tailored to suit each individual case. Whatever your case may be, at Gorvins we pride ourselves on the fact that our dispute resolution lawyers provide practical and jargon-free guidance so you can rest assured that you’ll have vigorous representation fighting your corner.

Next Steps

If you are currently experiencing a dispute of any kind, or feel you have been mistreated by a professional in any way, contact Gorvins dispute resolution solicitors team today to discuss your case, and we’ll help you work out which steps to take next in your claim. You may have concerns such as; how long will the process last? How much will it cost? Do you I a good chance of getting compensation? – All these questions can be answered during your initial consultation.

With the best dispute resolution solicitors Manchester has to offer, contact us at 0161 930 5151 or e-mail disputeresolutionteam@gorvins.com for a free, no-obligation and confidential discussion. Alternatively, fill in our online form and we will call you back. We pride ourselves on our service and ability to achieve an outcome that suits both parties so please get in touch with our dispute resolution lawyers today to see how we can help you.

When boundary wall disputes escalate, it’s important to find a solution which is satisfactory to both parties and prevents bad tension from souring relations permanently.

Your property is a long-term investment and becoming embroiled in elongated issues with your neighbours is not ideal. Boundary wall disputes are the most common neighbour disputes recorded and there are a number of ways you can resolve them with the help of a boundary dispute solicitor.

Ownership of Boundaries

Typically, ownership is the contentious issue at the heart of boundary wall disputes. Usually, there is clear evidence of ownership contained in the legal documents that dictate the land. The evidence in these documents is usually conclusive and resolves boundary wall disputes.

However, boundaries can differ from title document descriptions in some cases. This is normally as a result of new agreements being made or encroachment, where there has been occupation without permission. In this case, any boundary wall disputes changed by agreement or encroachment will require further legal advice from your boundary dispute solicitors. These cases will require further evidence and mediation.

Required to Erect Barrier

One question that comes as a result of boundary wall disputes, or indeed the cause of it, is whether or not the owner of the boundary is required to erect a barrier.

The resulting barrier owner – once established – subsequently is not required to erect a barrier if they do not wish to. However, exceptions to this include:

  • A clause dictates responsibility in title documents or your lease.
  • The property is adjacent to a road and could cause danger without a wall or fence.
  • Dangerous chemicals or equipment are stored on your property.
  • If you rear non-domestic animals then a boundary fence is required to prevent straying.

Responsibility of Repair

If repair is at the heart of neighbour disputes over fences, then ownership will first need to be established in order to decide on who carries out the repairs. However, there may be additional evidence that the other party owns the fence such as documentation of bought materials, etc.

The owner of the boundary can use the wall or fence as they wish, without their neighbour’s input, providing that the structure is safe. A neighbour that does not own the boundary has no rights regarding the fence. For example, the cannot use the fence to support plants or the like without the fence owner’s explicit permission.

Repair is necessary should the fence or wall cause damage or injury, as your neighbour can take you to court for compensation. A repair issue in boundary wall disputes can also be brought forward if you are next to a street, as you must keep repairs reasonable enough to avoid nuisance or danger to those using the street.

An issue akin to repair is that of maintenance of hedges, particularly in relation to boundary hedges. The owner of the boundary is responsible for the upkeep and trimming of hedges, so you must maintain these as your neighbour can make a complaint to the council if:

  • There are two or more evergreen trees or shrubs.
  • The hedge is over two metres tall.
  • It has a negative effect on your neighbour’s enjoyment of their home or garden.

Dealing with Fence or Boundary Wall Disputes

Your particular dispute may be over the erection of a boundary wall or fence. More specifically, who has the right to make changes to the garden fence or wall that separates your property from your neighbours. Our team of property boundary wall dispute solicitors can help to negotiate these issues and resolve your fencing or boundary wall disputes, preventing further escalation of the situation. Click here to find out how we can help with boundary wall disputes.

How Can We Help?

Neighbour disputes over fences and boundary walls can create high tensions and fraught relations, where a boundary dispute solicitor may be indispensable to re-establish peace.

If you are having issues regarding boundary wall disputes, then contact our team today on 0161 930 5151 or e-mail disputeresolutionteam@gorvins.com or fill out our contact form. We can provide you with a free, no-obligation and confidential discussion regarding your situation.

In recent months, it’s been reported police have been bombarded with a recent surge in drone-related incidents throughout the UK.

Once a niche for tech and aviation hobbyists, drones are now a popular consumer gadget after a jump in sales in 2016, prompted by cheaper prices and wider availability. You can now find drones, equipped with a camera, on the high street and online for as little as £30.

Last year, drones have been responsible for 3,456 reported incidents, almost triple the reported incidents in 2015, with Greater Manchester being one of the worst offending areas.

As it turns out, neighbour to neighbour disputes is amongst the most common problems caused by drones.

The garden hedge/fence is the physical, legal and symbolic boundary between neighbours, not to be crossed without prior permission or justifiable cause, but when even a cheap ‘off the shelf’ drone has a range of 300m and can record in 1080p with adjustable zoom, there’s only much a physical boundary can do to maintain separation and privacy.

Reports show owners are flying their drones over their neighbour’s house, within their legally owned boundaries, leading to hostile verbal exchanges and even physical threats. Common complaints include people claiming their neighbours are using drones to spy or monitor them or simply doing so ‘just to annoy them’.

When using drones in public or residential areas owners should be cautious. Recording other people without consent is something most drone users have inadvertently done at one point, this is, in fact, a direct violation of the data protection act and the CCTV code of practice, which was recently updated to include the use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

Also, if your neighbour no longer feels comfortable on their own property as a result of you regularly flying your drone over or in direct proximity of their home on a regular basis, they are within their right to make a claim against you under the tort of nuisance which may lead to you being served with an injunction.

Currently, there is absolutely nothing stopping anybody from nipping to their local high street and buying a drone, as long as it weighs less than 20KG and isn’t for any commercial reasons you are good to go.

This has prompted the House of Lords EU committee to call for all drones to be registered amid concerns over individuals operating drones with little to no knowledge of aviation rules.

Other incidents have included more overtly illegal (and admittedly creative) uses for the drones. One man was arrested and subsequently jailed for 14 months after he attempted to drop contraband into a prison. Also, thieves have been using drones to scout homes as potential targets, looking for easy access points such as open windows and signs of security systems.

Due to the technology still be relatively new in mainstream society, the rules governing drones are still evolving.

One suggested method to make drone users more accountable for illegal behaviour, is to have drone flights traceable and available through a public database.

However these gadgets are governed in the future, it’s clear they pose a threat in the wrong hands and will continue to joust with data protection and civil aviation authorities until the laws are forced to adapt.

If you feel your neighbour is infringing on your privacy/property using a drone, contact our experienced dispute resolution lawyers on 0161 930 5151 or email disputeresolutionteam@gorvins.com

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Disputes with neighbours are common. Whilst we would all like to ideally live harmoniously side by side, occasionally scenarios will crop up that lead to disagreements.

One of the more common disagreements between neighbours are boundary disputes. These disputes start when two neighbours fail to agree on where exactly one person’s property ends and the other’s begins.

Boundary disputes occur for a number of reasons. Most commonly one might object to another’s plans to extend their property or construct an outbuilding in a particular area, there may be a disagreement over the erection of fences or walls, one may feel an overgrown hedge or tree is encroaching onto their property.

Before any disagreement has the opportunity to turn into a dispute, it’s important to establish who owns the land. You do this by looking at the deeds. These are more important than the Land Registry title plan, which will just show the general, physical boundaries of your property rather than legal parameters.

The exact layout and extent of boundaries can often be surprisingly complex. It’s often the case that boundaries aren’t clearly mapped out.

Also, Boundaries can change significantly over time due to removal, replacement or adjustment. Such confusion can lead both parties to believe they are in the right, which can ultimately lead to a drawn out dispute.

Boundary disputes don’t just occur between existing neighbours. If you’re moving into a new home and are intending on making changes that may affect the boundaries of the property, there are a number of steps you can take pre-sale to avoid running into a dispute down the line.

  • Check the filed title plan that your conveyancers send you to ensure the boundaries on the ground match the legal title. If there are any discrepancies, raise it with your legal advisor to ensure the plan and/or boundaries issues are dealt with prior to becoming legally bound to purchase the property.
  • Ensure your conveyancing solicitor advises you what the actual legal title deeds say about the boundary position and responsibility for maintenance and repair.
  • If in doubt at all, contact the Land Registry or Valuer to have a boundary survey (although there will be a charge for this).

How to resolve a boundary dispute?

There are a number of steps to be taken when attempting to resolve a boundary dispute. It’s important to avoid rushing into legal proceedings. You should always attempt to address any disagreement amicably and be sure to give your neighbour adequate time to address any concerns you bring forward (and vice versa).

We suggest the first step you take is to talk to your neighbour. Tempers can flare and emotions run high when a boundary dispute emerges, however, you may be surprised at what informal negotiations can achieve. If your neighbour is a tenant, then you may be able to address the dispute by discussing it with their landlord instead.

If you are unable to resolve the issue between yourselves, you may want to consider legal action. As mentioned before, boundary disputes are rarely straightforward and often very complexed. This is where specialist legal assistance can prove indispensable. We recommend contacting a trusted solicitor who specialises in boundary disputes.

If you have a boundary dispute or need to talk in confidence about your rights or a potential issue that may arise contact Danielle Clements today using the details below.

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Neighbourhood noise

Sometimes disputes are not just with an individual neighbour, but with a neighbourhood in general. There are neighbourhood rules regarding noise, such as the use of loudspeakers is not permitted in the streets between the hours of 9 pm and 8 am. It is illegal to use the loudspeaker for advertising, entertainment, trade or business purposes at any hour. There is an exception to this rule for vehicles that sell food (such as ice cream) but the loudspeakers are only permitted to be used between the hours of midday and 7 pm in a way that will not annoy people nearby. If you have a problem with neighbourhood noise, the appropriate course of action is to contact your local authority or police.

Noisy neighbours

Talking to your neighbours and requesting they decrease the noise is the first step. If nothing comes from this, if your neighbour is a tenant then you could contact their landlord. If the issue continues, it is useful to keep a record or diary of the disturbances which can be used as evidence in any future action.
Local authorities have extensive powers to deal with noise nuisances, you can speak to the Environmental Health Officer (EHO) to investigate the noise. They can measure the level of the noise and provide an expert opinion on how it rates as a noise nuisance. Local authorities have powers to seize noise-making equipment.
If you have tried the above then you should consider speaking to the council or seeking legal advice.

Shared amenities and who is responsible?

Sometimes there are shared features between two or more properties, such as the roof of a block of flats, drains and pipes, or shared driveways. Rights to use them (ie. Putting up an aerial on a shared chimney) and responsibilities for preserving them are usually set out in the property’s legal documents.
These documents might give you as property owner rights to use or access your neighbour’s property for specific reasons. Sometimes they are not included in the legal documents but have arisen out of long, continuous and unchallenged use (usually 20 years.)
In some circumstances, there may be occasions when your property’s legal documents do not expressly give you a right to access your neighbour’s property but you need to. For example, if you need to repair a drain or pipe and that pipe is also on your neighbours land then you can seek your neighbours’ permission to enter to gain access to their land to carry out the work, bearing in mind. Although that any damage incurred to that your neighbour’s property must be corrected. If your neighbour refuses to grant you access, an application can be made to a county court for an access order.

Fences, walls and boundaries

When disputes occur over boundaries between properties it is necessary to ascertain who owns the disputed land. However, the boundaries between properties can differ from those described in the title documents or lease in certain situations. The most common is where they have been changed by agreement or by encroachment. (Occupation without permission). If you think that there is an issue with the boundaries, you should get legal advice from a solicitor.
There are special rules relating to structural work to walls which stand across the boundary of land belonging to different owners, or which are used by two or more owners to separate properties. The owner must notify neighbours about any work they intend to carry out. These rules allow for the agreement or objection to any work within certain time limits, and compensation and temporary protection for buildings and property. If there is no agreement, an independent surveyor can be appointed to decide what work can be done, and how and when.
Planning permission is not generally needed before putting up a wall or fence, as long as it is no more than two metres, except for if next to a highway in which case it must be no more than one metre high. If you want to exceed these limits you must get planning permission from the local authority.

Parking

Residents do not have automatic rights to a parking space on a public road except if there are local parking constraints giving a right to a particular space. However, occupants do have a right of access to their drive. If there is a shared drive, then each individual has a right of access and neither should block the drive. The local authority and police have wide powers to remove vehicles that are illegally parked or abandoned.

What are the legalities concerning disabled parking spaces on public street or spaces reserved for businesses for operations such as loading or delivering goods?

If there are signs on a public road showing that space is reserved for disabled persons then you must not park in it without a disabled badge. If like in city centres, there are signs showing that restrictions are in place to allow businesses to load and unload during specified hours then you must not park in the spaces within the timescales identified. In all cases, the Council has the authority to fine you and in the worst-case tow your vehicle away.

Are there any implications for people who obstruct a path or street with their parking, ie. parking on the kerb forcing people to walk on the road and around the vehicle, especially people with prams or in wheelchairs?
Pavement parking has only been made illegal in specific parts of London therefore in other parts of England and Wales it is not an offence to park on footpaths or verges however this does not mean you are entitled to park just anywhere. The rules vary according to the local authority but you can be fined if, for example, you park so that you are obstructing the dropped kerb and yellow strip that is designed to guide pedestrians to a safe crossing point.

If you would like to speak to Danielle or another member of our Dispute Resolution & Litigation team, call us on 01619305151 or e-mail disputeresolutionteam@gorvins.com

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Purchasing goods and services and is an integral part of business, but sometimes deals go wrong and a solicitor is needed to help resolve the disagreement.

At Gorvins Solicitors, our specialists in dispute resolution are able to guide clients through complicated legal issues and minimise the negative impact they could ultimately have on their business.

To speak to our commercial litigation experts, call 0161 930 5151, e-mail businessdisputeteam@gorvins.com or complete the online enquiry and we will call you back.

Gorvins Approach to resolving a Goods & Services Dispute?

Commercial organisations are free to draw up contracts with one another on whatever terms they mutually agree. However, problems often arise when the terms are either not recorded in writing at all or are only partially recorded.

In addition, an unforeseen situation may crop up that is difficult to resolve due to a lack of detail in the contract.

These shortcomings usually become fraught when one party is accused of failing to keep its part of the bargain. It is at this point that the legal advice provided by our goods and services dispute solicitors becomes invaluable.

We will help bring the dispute to the best possible conclusion for all parties, whether it is through clarification of the terms which arise under the legislation, investigating business customs associated with the particular goods or services supplied or giving commercial sense to what has been agreed.

How can Gorvins Help?

If you have a dispute with one of your suppliers, contact our specialist goods and services dispute solicitors on 0161 930 5151, e-mail businessdisputeteam@gorvins.com or fill in the online enquiry form and a member of the team will call you back.

Our contract dispute lawyers have an enviable reputation for delivering tactical and commercial advice to minimise the impact on a client’s business. Not only do we understand contract rights, but we have substantive knowledge in many industries that allows us to understand how basic contract rights apply to different contracting relationships.

Contact a member of the contract disputes team today on 0161 930 5151, e-mail businessdisputeteam@gorvins.com, or fill in our enquiry form and we will call you back at a time to suit you.

Gorvins Approach to Contract Dispute Resolution

We make it our priority to understand and protect our clients’ most important business interests in a focused and cost-effective manner. Wherever appropriate, we seek to negotiate solutions to our clients’ contractual disputes without unnecessary or expensive litigation.

The contract dispute lawyers at Gorvins understand that every dispute is different so we tailor our solution to your needs. We have considerable experience in handling contract disputes of all sizes and we recognise that avoiding a costly courtroom battle and resolving the dispute quickly and cost-effectively will be your top priority.

Our team of experienced commercial litigators have expertise in the following areas:

  • Sale of Goods and Service Contract Disputes
  • E-Commerce Contract Disputes
  • Building Contract Disputes
  • Agency and Distribution Contract Disputes
  • Corporate Contract Disputes
  • Professional Service Contract Disputes
  • Credit Contract Disputes

We always encourage our clients to seek alternative methods of dispute resolution (ADR) including mediation and arbitration.

How can Gorvins Help?

Contact a member of the team today on 0161 930 5151, e-mail businessdisputeteam@gorvins.com, or fill in our enquiry form and we’ll call you back at a time to suit you.

FAQ

When can I sue for breach of contract?

To sue for damages due to breach of contract, you must be able to demonstrate that a legally binding contract existed and that it had been breached. Finally, you have to demonstrate the losses you incurred by the breach of contract.

How do I claim for breach of contract?

If you have a legitimate case for breach of contract, you can make a claim at Money Claim Online. However, it’s much more advisable to work with a litigation solicitor to increase your chances of success.

Do I need to prove losses for breach of contract?

Yes, for you to make a successful claim for breach of contract, you must be able to demonstrate losses as a result of said breach. You can’t simply claim for stress or inconvenience.

Property disputes can be a stressful time for all parties involved and often require a rapid response. Where disagreements between two parties cannot be settled, our property dispute solicitors will work alongside you, giving you expert legal support to bring about a timely conclusion.

If you are experiencing a property dispute or need advice in relation to a litigation matter contact the team on 0161 930 5151, e-mail disputeresolutionteam@gorvins.com, or fill in the contact form and one of our property dispute solicitors will call you back.

Gorvins Approach to Property Disputes

Our expertly skilled property litigation solicitors can help you whether you are a homeowner, a landlord or a tenant, handling your case with the utmost integrity and professionalism. Our wide breadth of experience within property disputes means that we fully appreciate the need for an urgent turnaround, during what can be an unpleasant and highly complicated time. We will always strive to find the most practical solution for your particular issues, achieving resolution via arbitration rather than the courts. Our property litigation experts work closely with our commercial property team to minimise the risks of disputes escalating to litigation.

Do I have A Valid Claim Worthy Of Property Dispute Solicitors?

Gorvins specialist property litigation solicitors have extensive experience in dealing with all types of property disputes. These disputes include:

  • Landlord and tenant disputes
  • Claims of disrepair
  • Boundary disputes
  • Planning permission disputes
  • Disputes over financial interests in property
  • Mortgage disputes
  • Disputes involving builders, surveyors and architects
  • Property transfer disputes
  • Misrepresentation (including Mis-description Act 1991)

How Can Gorvins Help?

Gorvins Solicitors have acted on behalf of many clients who have faced property disputes, making us well versed to deal with your case.  We will endeavour to resolve disputes efficiently, whilst minimising any stress or hassle involved on your part.

We will provide practical, jargon-free advice twinned with comprehensive legal support through the complex area of property law.

Contact Our Property Litigation Solicitors today

We know that you may have lots of questions, and we have the answers. How much does it cost? Do I have a valid case? How long will it take? What are my chances of success? During our initial consultation, we will discuss your specific situation and provide you with clear and transparent information about our fees, the strength of your case, the estimated timeline, and your chances of success. 

We’ll take the time to listen to your concerns and answer any questions you may have, so you can feel confident and empowered throughout the legal process.

For more information on your rights, or to discuss a property dispute you may be involved in, contact our property litigation solicitors today on 0161 930 5151 or e-mail disputeresolutionteam@gorvins.com for a free, no obligation and confidential discussion. Alternatively, fill in our online form and we will call you back.

Most landlord and tenant disputes arise because either the tenant or landlord has breached their contractual obligations, or because there is a conflict of interest. Perhaps the tenant has gone into rent arrears or unlawfully sub-let part of the property. Whatever the issue, housing disputes of this nature often involve high levels of emotion and stress.

If you are a landlord or tenant and are experiencing issues with your property then contact our dedicated property litigation team on 0161 930 5151, e-mail disputeresolutionteam@gorvins.com or fill in the contact form and one of the experienced landlord-tenant dispute resolution solicitors will call you back.

Gorvins Approach to Landlord and Tenant Disputes

Most landlord and tenant disputes arise because either the tenant or landlord has breached their contractual obligations, or because there is a conflict of interest. Perhaps the tenant has gone into rent arrears or unlawfully sub-let part of the property. Whatever the issue, housing disputes of this nature often involve high levels of emotion and stress.

If you are a landlord or tenant and are experiencing issues with your property then contact our dedicated property litigation team on 0161 930 5151, e-mail disputeresolutionteam@gorvins.com or fill in the contact form and one of the experienced landlord-tenant dispute resolution solicitors will call you back.

Gorvins Approach to Landlord Disputes

Renting a property is often straightforward and hassle-free, however, as with anything problems can arise and cause a challenging time for all parties involved. You may discover that the property is not in the condition you expected or that your circumstances have changed and you can no longer afford to keep up the rent payments.

Our landlord solicitors in Manchester are well versed in aiding and advising tenants who are experiencing difficulties with their landlord. Our legal landlord dispute services include:

  • Help when a possession notice is served on you from your landlord
  • Court representation to defend possession proceedings or warrants to evict
  • Tenancy deposit schemes
  • Service charges and management disputes on long lease properties
  • Property repairs and responsibility for those repairs
  • Tenancy surrender negotiations
  • Rent review

Gorvins Approach to Tenant Disputes

Gorvins know that, as a landlord, you will want a tenant dispute solicitor who can provide swift action and resolve any tenant dispute which may arise from your occupant. Issues can arise for any number of reasons; from repairs to the property, through to rent or deposits. Our expert team of tenant dispute solicitors can help you with:

  • Possession/rent recovery
  • Service of notices under section 8 and section 21 of the Housing Act 1988
  • Registering deposits
  • Preparing tenancy agreements
  • Advice on carrying out repairs at your property whilst the tenant remains in occupation
  • Health and Safety
  • Local Authority Regulations

How Can Gorvins Help?

Whether you are a landlord or a tenant, Gorvins can help minimise disruption, if and when a dispute arises. We will always attempt to resolve the problem by arbitration via mediation, which more often than not, means you will not have to go to court. However, if there is no other solution but to take the dispute into the court system, you can rest assured we have the experience and expertise to represent your best interests at all times.

Our specialist team of dispute solicitors have a wealth of knowledge in landlord and tenant disputes and we pride ourselves on being able to look at the problem from both sides, advise you on the likely outcome of your dispute and help you choose the best route to achieve the result you want.

Contact Our Landlord & Tenant Dispute Solicitors Today

We know that you may have lots of questions, and we have the answers. How much does it cost? Do I have a valid case? How long will it take? What are my chances of success? During our initial consultation, we will discuss your specific situation and provide you with clear and transparent information about our fees, the strength of your case, the estimated timeline, and your chances of success. 

We’ll take the time to listen to your concerns and answer any questions you may have, so you can feel confident and empowered throughout the legal process.

If you are currently involved in a dispute with your landlord or tenant, or you simply wish to find out more information on how to resolve a potential dispute that may arise, then contact the Gorvins Dispute Resolution team today on 0161 930 5151 or e-mail disputeresolutionteam@gorvins.com for a free, no-obligation, confidential discussion. Alternatively, you can fill in our online form and one of experienced solicitors will call you back.

If there was ever a case that highlighted how seeking professional advice early on could save you a lot of time and cost, then it’s this one. Not only did the defendant go against a written agreement but they drew out the process long enough, took the dispute to court and caused incurrence of over £150,000 in legal fees – leaving them having to pay out nearly £200,000!

Back in 2012, Advertising Executive Miss Thomas bought a flat in London for £315,000. Her long term boyfriend at the time, Mr Powell, didn’t have enough capital to buy the property jointly, so promised to use his building trade skills to renovate the flat which was described as ‘uninhabitable’.

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Contracts govern the verbal and written agreements between two or more persons (individuals, companies or other institutions). Contact a member of the dispute resolution solicitors team on 0161 930 5151, e-mail disputeresolutionteam@gorvins.com or fill in our online form and a member of the team will call you back for a free consultation.

A contract is a legally binding agreement or promise between two or more persons, verbal or written that can be enforced by the law. These promises and agreements are entered into regularly each day, by individuals, businesses and other organisations. For example, such parties may agree to:

  • Buy or Sell Goods
  • To Hire or Provide a Service
  • To Rent a Property
  • To Settle a Debt Dispute
  • Sign a Contract of Employment
  • Sign an Online Agreement

These agreements all involve the promise to provide something or to refrain from doing something else.

Gorvins Approach to Contractual Disputes

Gorvins contract dispute solicitors in Manchester have the expertise necessary to assist in resolving a number of contractual disputes, including an expert Debt Recovery department with significant experience on fast and effective debt recovery solutions. Our compensation claims department can help you claim for loss or damages through breach of contract, whilst providing legal advice on mediation and alternative dispute resolution.

We also have an experienced Employment Law department, advising both Employers and Employees on all areas of employment law contracts and contract disputes.

How Do I Know If I Have a Breach of Contract?

If the terms of a contract are broken, then there is a breach of contract. This includes situations arising when one party does not comply with its terms, or if they change their mind and do not perform their side of the contract.

There are many ways in which our contract dispute solicitors can work with you to remedy a breach of contract, but the most common solutions would be:

To make a claim for damages (a sum of money) for loss or damage caused by the breach of contract; To apply for an order, for the contract to be performed, and obligations to be carried out; To seek a court order, declaring the contract null and void, obliging the party who has breached the contract to put the ‘innocent party’ back in the position he/she was in before the contract was entered into.

How Can Our Contract Law Solicitors Help?

Gorvins Solicitors have expert contract law solicitors who may be able to help you resolve your dispute. We have the expertise and knowledge needed to advise you on a variety of legal considerations, including how contract law and legal agreements will affect your case.

We know that you may have lots of questions, and we have the answers. How much does it cost? Do I have a valid case? How long will it take? What are my chances of success? During our initial consultation, we will discuss your specific situation and provide you with clear and transparent information about our fees, the strength of your case, the estimated timeline, and your chances of success. 

We’ll take the time to listen to your concerns and answer any questions you may have, so you can feel confident and empowered throughout the legal process.

Our experienced solicitors have the breadth of knowledge needed to proficiently advise you on various forms of legal contracts.

Our contract law specialists can help clarify the terms and conditions of a contract and explain your rights and obligations under that contract. We can also offer guidance and representation on civil, business and commercial contracts, and advise you on the consequences of entering into a contract before you commit yourself to it.

Next Steps With some of the best contract law solicitors Manchester has to offer, if you have a contractual dispute with a business or service provider you need to speak to one of our team at 0161 930 5151, e-mail disputeresolutionteam@gorvins.com or fill in our online form and a member of the team will call you back for a free consultation.

Getting embroiled in a long-running dispute can be seriously stressful, putting a significant strain not just on yourself but on your family as well.

When neighbour disputes arise, it’s important to find a resolution that’s as fair and as hassle-free as possible. You should consider seeking expert assistance in the event of a boundary or neighbour dispute as professional expertise can help you bring the disagreement to a satisfactory and swift conclusion.

Contact the property boundary dispute solicitors team today 0161 930 5151 or e-mail disputeresolutionteam@gorvins.com for a free, no-obligation and confidential discussion. Alternatively, fill in our online form and we will call you back.

Gorvins Approach to Boundary & Neighbour Disputes

At Gorvins, as part of our Dispute Resolution Team, our solicitors have many years of experience in dealing with boundary, land and neighbour disputes. By choosing our lawyers, you can rest assured that we’ll provide you with clear and comprehensive advice. We’ll give you an honest assessment of how long the case may take, how much it will cost and whether you have a realistic chance of success.

How Do I Know If I Have a Boundary Dispute?

Boundary or neighbour disputes can occur for a number of reasons. One party might object to another’s plans to extend their property or construct an outbuilding in a particular area. Disputes may arise over shared amenities. There may be a disagreement over the erection of fences or walls. One neighbour may refuse the other access to their land when they need to carry out repairs to their property.

These are just some of the potential flashpoints at the root of boundary or neighbour disputes. The exact layout and extent of boundaries can often be surprisingly complex. It’s quite often the case that boundaries aren’t clearly mapped out. Boundaries can change significantly over time due to removal, replacement or adjustment. Untangling the extent of these changes, and determining which boundaries are applicable in the here and now, may, therefore, be difficult. This can give rise to serious and bitter disputes between neighbouring residents.

Land Registry plans often don’t offer much assistance in determining exact boundaries. Despite this, some people rely on Land Registry plans when attempting to assert boundaries and this can further add to the confusion.

How Do I Resolve a Boundary Dispute?

There are a number of steps to be taken when attempting to resolve a boundary or neighbour dispute. It’s important to avoid rushing into legal proceedings; you should ensure that you give the other party sufficient time to address concerns in the appropriate manner.

In the event of a boundary or neighbour dispute, we suggest the first step you take is to talk to your neighbour. Tempers can flare and emotions run high when a boundary/neighbour dispute emerges, however, you may be surprised at what informal negotiations can achieve. If your neighbour is a tenant, then you may be able to address the dispute, by discussing it with their landlord. The landlord in question may be a housing association, a council or a private landlord. You also have a right to complain to your local council if the dispute involves a statutory offence. If your neighbour is committing a criminal offence, for example, being violent towards you, you should go to the police. If you have exhausted these possibilities (where applicable) and the dispute still hasn’t been resolved, your only remaining option may involve taking legal action and seeking the help of boundary dispute solicitors.

How Can Our Boundary Dispute Solicitors help?

Boundary/neighbour disputes are frequently fraught and complex. This is where specialist legal assistance can prove indispensable. At Gorvins, we have a dedicated team of neighbour dispute solicitors that deal with all types of boundary, land or neighbour disputes. We’ll provide you with the specialist legal help you need to conclude your dispute as quickly as possible, on terms that are favourable to you.

At Gorvins, we do whatever we can to settle disputes by negotiation first. Commencing legal proceedings isn’t something that should be done lightly, which is why we try to use alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation and arbitration. However, we recognise that sometimes court action is the only way to resolve disputes. So, if we feel your case needs to go down that route you can have every confidence that we’ll fight your corner with vigour and determination.

We know that you may have lots of questions, and we have the answers. How much does it cost? Do I have a valid case? How long will it take? What are my chances of success? During our initial consultation, we will discuss your specific situation and provide you with clear and transparent information about our fees, the strength of your case, the estimated timeline, and your chances of success. 

We’ll take the time to listen to your concerns and answer any questions you may have, so you can feel confident and empowered throughout the legal process.

Contact the property boundary dispute solicitors team today 0161 930 5151 or e-mail disputeresolutionteam@gorvins.com for a free, no-obligation and confidential discussion. Alternatively, fill in our online form and we will call you back.

New research has shown that 58% of landlords who have previously rented out property have either just adapted an old tenancy agreement contract the next time they have come to rent their residence out or have updated a template they have found online. A dangerous game to play if you ask our dispute resolution experts who have seen an increase in tenancy disputes over the recent years. Using an old contract or a template may mean that landlords are asking their tenants to sign legal documents that aren’t actually legally compliant.

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When actress Lynda Bellingham passed away in 2014 few thought that her estate would be the subject of a bitter internal dispute between the family she left behind. Mrs Bellingham didn’t die without making a Will (known as intestate) but it seems that her wishes may not have strictly been fulfilled.

On the one side are her two sons, Michael and Robbie, and on the other side is Mrs Bellingham’s late husband and the sons’ stepfather, Michael Pattemore. On the surface it seemed like the sons and their stepfather had a good relationship, but it has been revealed that all is it not as it seems; as such the boys have decided to challenge their mother’s Will.

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Dispute Resolution Solicitor, Danielle Clements, recently spoke to Yours Magazine to offer her expert advice when it comes to resolving a noisy neighbour dispute. Nobody wants to live next door to an inconsiderate neighbour who has a tip for a garden or blares music out at 1 o’clock in the morning.; so what exactly should you do to ensure your life remains peaceful and trouble free? Here are Danielle’s top tips:

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