Resolving disputes clearly, quickly and cost-effectively
Whether someone owes you money, a contract has gone wrong, or you’ve received a letter threatening court action, we help you understand where you stand and what to do next.
Most disputes settle without a trial. We focus on the outcome you want, give you an honest view of your chances, and explain costs before you commit.
Disputes we handle
For individuals, landlords and small businesses, whether you are bringing a claim or defending one.
Contract disputes
Breach of contract, unpaid work, faulty goods and services that went wrong.
Property and boundary disputes
Boundary lines, rights of way, nuisance and disputes with neighbours.
Professional negligence
Claims against professionals such as accountants, surveyors or other advisers.
Injunctions and urgent applications
Court orders to stop someone acting, or to protect your rights quickly.
How a civil claim works
Courts in England and Wales expect both sides to try to resolve things before going to court, and settlement is possible at any stage.
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Letter before claim
Setting out the claim and giving the other side time to respond, as the pre-action rules require.
Before court
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Negotiation or mediation
Most disputes settle here, saving time, money and stress.
Any time
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Claim issued
If it doesn’t settle, the claim is issued at court and served on the other side.
Court starts
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Defence and track
The other side responds, and the court allocates the case to a track based on its value and complexity.
Weeks to months
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Evidence and hearing
Documents and witness statements are exchanged before a final hearing, unless the case settles first.
Months
What’s happened?
Choose the option closest to your situation to see what usually happens next. This is general information, not legal advice.
Received court papers? Don’t wait.
You usually have just 14 days from service of the claim to respond. If you miss the deadline, the court can enter judgment against you without hearing your side.
Send us your papers as soon as they arrive.
Meet your solicitor
Qamar Uz Zaman
[Qualifications, when you qualified, and your experience with civil and commercial disputes.] You speak directly to Qamar, who handles your case personally from start to finish.
- Honest view of your chances
- Costs explained upfront
- Settlement first
- One point of contact
- English, Urdu and Punjabi
- SRA regulated
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth taking someone to court?
It depends on how strong your case is, how much is at stake, and whether the other side can actually pay. We’ll give you an honest view of all three before you spend money on court action.
How long do I have to bring a claim?
For most contract and debt claims, the time limit is 6 years from when the breach happened or the money became due. Other claims have different limits, so get advice early if you’re unsure.
What should I do if I’ve been sent court papers?
Don’t ignore them. You usually have 14 days from service to respond, either by filing a defence or an acknowledgment of service, which gives you extra time to prepare your defence. Contact us straight away.
Can the dispute be settled without going to court?
Yes, and most are. Negotiation and mediation are usually quicker and cheaper, and courts expect parties to consider them.
What is the small claims court?
It’s the track for simpler claims, generally up to £10,000. The process is more informal and the legal costs you can recover from the other side are very limited.
Will I get my legal costs back if I win?
Often you’ll recover a share of your costs, but rarely all of them, and recovery is very limited in small claims. We’ll explain this before you start.
What if the other side won’t pay after a judgment?
There are several enforcement options, such as enforcement agents, attachment of earnings or a charging order on property. We can advise which is most likely to work.
What our clients say
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Tell us about your dispute
Give us a few details and we’ll get back to you within [one working day].
Prefer to talk?
- Phone
- +44 7925 273896
- Qamar@lcssolicitor.co.uk
- Office
- [Street address, Town, Postcode]
- Opening hours
- [Mon to Fri, 9am to 5:30pm]