Our Dispute Resolution specialists
Disputes can be disruptive, costly and time-consuming. We're here to guide you through them.
Seeking legal advice from the outset and being aware of your position will often minimise risk and impact.
Our Dispute Resolution services
We advise creditors and individuals on personal insolvency matters. These matters can be sensitive, so we consider the practicalities of maximising the recovery for creditors and finding practical solutions for individuals.
You may have been supplied with goods or services that don't meet your expectations or requirements. Similarly, you may encounter difficulties with credit agreements. While this is a complex and wide-ranging area of law, we are here to guide you to the right outcome.
Our specialists are equipped to deal with a range of contract disputes. We take a pragmatic and sensible approach, with a commitment to minimising the dispute's impact on your life. Court action is only used as a last resort.
We advise on a number of boundary and land disputes including:
- Rights of way
- Access for repairs
- Hedges and overgrown trees
- Shared amenities
- Boundaries
- Fences and walls
In these disputes, costs can easily escalate and matters can be prolonged by delays. Using our team’s expertise, we seek to minimise the impact and resolve the matter as quickly as we can, working to achieve the best result possible.
The law and its procedures must be followed, otherwise there may be further delays, increased costs and at worst criminal sanctions. We understand that these issues are not straightforward, but we can guide and advise you through the process.
We are skilled at advising residential landlords in disputes relating to:
- Possession
- Rent arrears
- Deposits
- Repairs
- Rent increases
We can help to minimise the impact of poor service or incorrect advice from those who were placed in a position of trust, such as solicitors, accountants, surveyors, insurance brokers, architects or property agents.
Dealing with the loss of a loved one is one of the most upsetting and difficult things you will go through. The situation can be exacerbated if you feel the Will has not appropriately provided for you or someone close to you, or if the person dealing with the Estate is not doing what they should.
We take a sensible and commercial approach to debt recovery. Our aim is to ensure that the debtor pays. We understand that at times it may not be cost effective to seek the recovery of debts but this can have an impact on your finances. We therefore adopt a diplomatic but firm approach to achieve the desired result.
Why clients trust us with their disputes
When involved in a dispute, it's a good idea to involve a lawyer as early as possible, as the legal processes and proceedings can be complex. SME Solicitors handles dispute resolution matters with practicality and precision so that the parties involved can work towards positive, reasonable resolutions.
We represent both individuals and businesses involved in disputes which, when combined with our previous experience, gives us a broad and unique point of view. Our clients can benefit from the specialist accreditations of our dispute resolution experts, such as Guy Salter's Professional Negligence Lawyers' Association accreditation and David Denovan-Smith's membership of the Association of Contentious Trusts and Probate Specialists. The combined knowledge of our experts allows us to find solutions that are minimally disruptive and best suited to you.
We also know that legal disputes can escalate quickly with significant financial implications. That's why we provide clear, upfront information about costs with flexible payment options tailored to your situation.
SME Solicitors has deep roots in Worcestershire, with many individual and commercial clients who have been with us for generations. Our local knowledge further enables us to provide relevant advice tailored to your specific circumstances.
While we hope to resolve your dispute in a cost-effective and timely manner, we want to ensure that any of your future legal needs are also catered for. We have a strong record of achieving fair outcomes for our clients and hope to do the same for you.
Insights for you
Stay up to date with the latest events, charity fundraisers, legislation updates and insights from our team.
FAQ: What is collaborative family law?
Collaborative practice is a way to resolve family issues without going to court. It encourages productive discussion in a supported environment, with the aim of reaching a long-term solution that is in the best interests of the whole family.
FAQ: What are the benefits of a collaborative approach?
The process is dignified and respectful, and it is often very cost-effective. Communications take place in the room, rather than through lengthy and expensive legal correspondence.
Employment claim time limits extended to six months
From 1 October, the time limit for bringing many unfair dismissal, discrimination and victimisation claims increases from three months to six months.
New conveyancing roles for Katharine Salter & Flora Goodwin
Katharine Salter and Flora Goodwin have taken new roles in the Residential Property team, with Katharine now a paralegal and Flora a secretary.
Employment Rights Act 2025: unfair dismissal changes from January 2027
From 1 January 2027 employees will need only six months’ continuous service to claim unfair dismissal, with service from 1 July 2026 counting toward this period, and the statutory compensation cap will be removed.
Family law could be changing - but what might this mean for you?
The government is consulting on family law reforms could make pre-nups binding, extend financial safeguards to long-term cohabitants, equal inheritance rights, codify financial remedies and broaden domestic-abuse considerations.
Reasons to review your Will (and what happens in a Will review)
Will reviews help ensure your Will reflects life changes, tax considerations, and care-home planning; SME solicitors offer this service for any Will, even if drafted elsewhere.
Why should I use a solicitor to make my Will?
A recent High Court case shows unqualified DIY wills can cause costly errors and distress, highlighting why using a solicitor ensures a proper, legally sound Will.
Wills specialists help to raise over £3,260 for Worcester Cathedral
SME Solicitors and local firms raised £3,262.50 for Worcester Cathedral through the ‘Make a Will This Summer’ campaign, supporting community preservation efforts and celebrating collaboration among law firms.
Dogs and Mogs: What happens to pets after divorce?
Explores the complexities of pet custody disputes during divorce. We need to consider the emotional investment owners have in their pets and how pets should be considered in legal agreements.