Many people will find themselves caught up in a dispute at some point throughout their lives. It can be an incredibly stressful time and often those involved can feel that they have no control.
Conflicts can arise for a number of reasons, some examples include:
- A dispute with a neighbour over boundaries, parking, building works or noise.
- A dispute with a contractor over work or costs.
- Contested Will or inheritance when someone has died.
- Issues with professional services you have instructed, such as an accountant or architect.
- A contract dispute for goods, services or employment.
Nobody really enjoys being involved in a conflict, particularly if it starts to impact on your home life or cause disruption to your business.
If you find yourself unable to resolve a dispute yourself, then you may wish to speak to a Solicitor who specialises in Dispute Resolution who can help you find a way forward and conclude the issue. For advice on your next steps, please call Lamb Brooks on 01256 844888 or email enquiries@lambbrooks.com.
If you are keen to settle a dispute yourself, and you feel it is safe to do so, then these 10 tips may help you to resolve matters quickly and peacefully.
Ten Tips for Resolving a Conflict
1. Be Prepared to Compromise
Compromising doesn’t mean that you are backing down, loosing your battle or being a pushover. Compromising is a useful tool to help you wriggle out of an argument on terms that you can be happy with.
2. Prioritise Your Points
This goes hand in hand with the point above. Give some thought as to what matters most to you regarding the dispute and the end outcome. It can help to avoid getting bogged down in the minute details and allow you to concentrate on the issues that need your attention.
3. Listen with Two Ears
The Greek saying of “We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak” rings true when embroiled in an argument or dispute. Often voices are raised when two people don’t feel that they are being heard. It is really important that both parties give the other one time to speak and really listen to their points, concerns or issues before responding.
4. Take a Pause
Sometimes responding or retaliating immediately can add fuel to the fire. Many things don’t need an immediate response. Take time to gather your thoughts, seek advice if needed and carefully consider your reply before acting in anger or saying things you might later regret. A carefully considered reaction will often pack more punch.
5. Calm the Situation
Most people have been in a situation where they have been told to “calm down” during an argument, and it usually has quite the opposite effect! Consider how else you can calm down your ‘opponent’ without winding them up further. It could be lowering the volume, taking note of your body language, sitting down or allowing a long pause for them to speak while you actively listen.
Somewhere hidden in most disputes will be some common ground. Try to find something that both parties do agree on, as this will help navigate the argument and you might be able to build on this to discover ways that both of you can find a way forward.
7. A Matter of Fact
Arguments based on facts rather than thoughts or feelings usually lead to a better discussion. If you find yourself caught up in a dispute it is imperative that you gather your evidence. Evidence will depend on what you dispute is concerning, but it could be contracts, written agreements, communication, CCTV, diary notes etc.
8. Have Patience
Patience is a virtue when it comes to resolving a conflict. Often matters are not resolved straight away, particularly if they are complex but patience can be a winning negotiation skill. Whilst you may be eager to move forward, sometimes waiting gives time for both sides to calm down, prioritise and come towards a settlement.
9. Remain Positive
Conflicts can be full of roadblocks and setbacks so it can help to approach things with a positive mental attitude. Keeping the end goal in mind and remind yourself that you are working towards ending the dispute and moving forward.
10. Get Professional Advice
To ensure that you are following the correct procedures and handling matters professionally, you should speak to a Solicitor early on in your dispute for some advice. They will be able to establish where you stand and the best route forward. The backing of a Solicitor can help when you are facing a complicated issue or dealing with someone who is being unreasonable, unwilling to compromise or non-contactable.
Instructing a Solicitor to Help With a Dispute
Appointing a Solicitor doesn’t necessarily mean that you will need to get your suit dry cleaned for a day in Court. In fact, most Solicitors now work in a way that avoids using the Court system until it is a last resort.
Sometimes, just speaking to an expert in that field can give you some clarity or tools to dispel the disagreement yourself. Other times, a letter before action from a Solicitor on headed paper can be enough to get the other side to back down, open communication or find a resolution.
More complex disputes might require some back and forth, negotiations and dispute resolution tactics which your Solicitor can do on your behalf. This removes the stress from your shoulders and you can have peace of mind that your corner is being fort by an experienced professional.
If you have found yourself entangled in a conflict that you are keen to move on from, then please get in touch with our diligent team at Lamb Brooks who can help you find the best way forward.
Call us on 01256 844888, email enquiries@lambbrooks.com or speak to our online chat assistant who can take some initial details and arrange for someone to call you back.
Our team are happy to work around you and your busy schedule. They can hold an initial appointment in person, over the phone or via video call – whichever suits you best. Get in touch today to see if we can help end a stressful chapter in your life.
The contents of this article are for the purposes of general awareness only. They do not purport to constitute legal or professional advice. The law may have changed since this article was published. Readers should not act on the basis of the information included and should take appropriate professional advice upon their own particular circumstances.