Alternative to Court Proceedings
Sometimes due to the nature of a dispute or the individuals involved, it is not always necessary to pursue court proceedings. Sometimes, best practice is to avoid protracted and expensive litigation by exploring alternative options. This is especially the case when litigation can take months to resolve and the process involves a significant element of stress.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Mediation offer the ability for both or all parties involved in the dispute to control the environment in which they settle on an agreement. They also allow the parties the opportunity to include within an agreement terms which a court would not be able to order.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
The ADR options are varied and the appropriate one to suit the matter will depend on the circumstances and what is required. The options include:
- Mediation;
- Negotiation;
- Adjudication;
- Expert Determination; and
- Round Table Without Prejudice Meetings.
We are able to advise you which ADR option best suits the dispute as well as your commercial and strategic objectives. Our team are well equipped to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each of the forms of ADR with you, providing straightforward advice to ensure that the process helps the parties reach an agreement and make informed decisions.
Mediation
Mediation seeks to resolve disputes and conflicts for all parties involved. It is important that all parties are compliant and agree to mediate in order to proceed in this process. The aim is to provide an open environment for discussion. A mediators role is to remain neutral and objective, not to hold any bias and to try to find ways for the parties to identify commonalities in their individual agendas and goals.
There are no limitations for discussion (within reason), allowing parties in dispute to delve into other issues beyond the initial claim; deep rooted issues are able to be explored, sometimes providing a more successful result across all parties. Any agreement reached between the parties is recorded in a Mediation Agreement, which is a binding document, the terms of which can be enforced.
With qualified mediators in our team we are able to offer a unique and insightful perspective in relation to any dispute and the best options available. We also have the facilities available at our Head Office in Peterborough to be able to offer them for Mediation. Contact us to discuss this option and how it works.
How do we work
We will meet with you to take instructions in relation to the issues and provide you with a pragmatic plan to resolve the matter effectively. We will provide you with advice and guide you through the process using our expert knowledge of the systems and procedures available. We offer a personal service to clients to resolve their disputes as quickly and economically as is possible.
Why choose Hunt & Coombs?
All members of our team are qualified solicitors and between them have more than 55 years’ of knowledge and dozens of successful mediations. With varying levels of experience, we work as a team, pooling our knowledge and experience to pursue the best possible outcome for our clients. We utilise our experience to appoint the most appropriate mediator, expert or arbitrator for your matter.
We offer a personal service to our clients so you will know who will be conducting your matter from start to finish and how to contact them.
Contact us
To discuss alternative dispute resolution or mediation, please contact our Dispute Resolution Team on 01733 882800 or email us via [email protected].
