Dispute Resolution Solicitors Glasgow

Disputes are stressful, whether it is a contract that has gone wrong, money you are owed, a problem with a neighbour or a disagreement within the family. Our dispute resolution solicitors in Glasgow help you resolve it as quickly and cost effectively as possible, through negotiation or mediation where we can and through the courts where we must. We give you clear advice on your options, your chances and the likely cost from the start.

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2025

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Dispute resolution lawyers in Glasgow

As a Scottish law firm, we help clients ranging from individuals and families to small businesses in Glasgow and throughout Scotland to resolve disputes of all kinds. Our approach is practical. We understand that most people want the problem solved, not a long fight in court, so we always look first for the quickest and most cost effective way to a fair outcome.

When a dispute cannot be settled, our litigation team will raise or defend a court action for you and represent you throughout. Family disputes are handled by our specialist family law team, who are trained in mediation and collaborative law.

Resolving a dispute in Scotland at a glance

  • Most disputes settle without ever reaching a court hearing.
  • Negotiation and mediation are usually quicker, cheaper and less stressful than court.
  • Claims up to £5,000 go through simple procedure in the sheriff court.
  • Larger claims usually use the ordinary procedure, which is more formal.
  • Time limits apply: most claims for payment are lost after five years.

Disputes we can help with

Ways to resolve a dispute without going to court

Court should be a last resort. These options are usually faster and cheaper, and they leave you in control of the outcome. Find out more about alternative dispute resolution.

Negotiation

Most disputes are settled by negotiation between solicitors. A clear letter setting out your position, backed by the evidence, is often enough to bring the other side to the table. Read more about negotiation.

Mediation

A trained, neutral mediator helps both sides talk through the issues and reach their own agreement. Mediation is voluntary and confidential, and it works well where people need to keep a relationship going, such as neighbours, business partners or separated parents. Read more about mediation and mediation before court action.

Collaborative law

In family disputes, each person has a specially trained solicitor and everyone agrees to work things out around the table rather than in court. Read more about collaborative law.

Not sure where you stand?

Call 0141 433 2626 or book a free consultation. We will listen, tell you your options and give you an honest view of the likely cost.

Going to court in Scotland

Most civil disputes in Scotland are dealt with in the sheriff court. The procedure depends mainly on the value of the claim.

Simple procedure: claims up to £5,000

  • designed to be quick and informal
  • used for most small money and consumer claims
  • you can represent yourself, although advice helps
  • the expenses you can recover from the other side are capped

Ordinary procedure: claims over £5,000

  • a more formal process with written pleadings
  • used for larger claims and more complex disputes
  • legal representation is strongly recommended
  • the larger and more complex cases can go to the Court of Session

Read more about simple procedure and the ordinary procedure. If someone has raised a court action against you, do not ignore it. The papers will give you a deadline to respond, and if you miss it the court can grant decree against you without hearing your side. Our guide to defending a court action explains what to do.

The dispute resolution process, step by step

A free consultation

We listen to what has happened, look at the key documents and find out what outcome you want. We also check whether any time limits apply, because some claims must be raised quickly.

Clear advice on your options

We tell you honestly how strong your position is, what your options are and what each is likely to cost, so you can make an informed decision.

Trying to settle early

Where it makes sense, we write to the other side, negotiate on your behalf or suggest mediation. Many disputes end here.

Court action if needed

If the dispute cannot be settled, we raise or defend a court action and represent you at every stage. Even then, most cases settle before a final hearing.

Enforcing the result

Winning is only part of it. If the other side still does not pay, we can enforce the court decree, for example by arresting bank accounts or wages. Read more about debt recovery.

Time limits for claims in Scotland

Under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973, most claims for payment, including claims under a contract, are lost altogether after five years. Personal injury claims generally have to be raised in court within three years, and some other claims have even shorter deadlines. If you think you have a claim, take advice early rather than waiting to see what happens.

How much does dispute resolution cost?

Every matter is different, so the cost depends on how complex it is and how far it goes. We will explain how we charge at the start, give you an estimate, and offer a fixed fee where the work allows it. If you win a court action, you can usually recover part of your legal costs from the other side, although rarely all of them. Please note that we do not offer legal aid.

Why choose Simplicity Legal for your dispute?

  • Practical legal advice focused on resolving the matter, not prolonging it
  • Honest assessments of your chances and the likely cost
  • Experience in negotiation, mediation and the courts, so we can use the right approach
  • Plain English updates at every stage
  • Regulated by the Law Society of Scotland

Contact our dispute resolution solicitors in Glasgow

Whatever the dispute, the sooner you take legal advice, the more options you are likely to have. Call 0141 433 2626 or request a callback, and one of our solicitors will be in touch. We also have offices in Edinburgh and Dumfries. Clarity Simplicity Ltd is regulated by the Law Society of Scotland for the legal services we provide. Please note, this advice does not apply to England and Wales.

Your dispute resolution questions answered

No. Most disputes are settled through negotiation or mediation without a court hearing. Court is usually a last resort for when the other side will not engage or agreement is impossible.

Start with a formal letter asking for payment. If that does not work, claims up to £5,000 can be made through simple procedure in the sheriff court, and larger claims through the ordinary procedure. We can advise on the best route and on enforcing payment.

Act quickly. The papers will give you a deadline to respond, and if you miss it the court can grant decree against you. Contact us as soon as possible so we can advise on your options and respond in time.

In mediation, a neutral mediator helps you and the other side reach your own agreement, privately and voluntarily. In court, a sheriff or judge hears the evidence and makes a decision that both sides must follow.

It varies. A simple procedure case can often be resolved within a few months, while a defended ordinary action can take a year or more. Many cases settle well before a final hearing.

Usually you can recover part of your legal costs, known as expenses, from the other side, but rarely all of them. In simple procedure the expenses you can recover are capped.

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What we do

Other Legal Services We Offer

Our team of specialist solicitors offer a broad range of services. Choose the area you need, and we will guide you step by step.

Family law

Support that is practical and calm, especially when things feel overwhelming.

Property

A smoother purchase or sale, with clear milestones and proactive updates.

Litigation

Focused, structured help when a dispute needs action and progress.

Wills and powers of attorney

Simple planning that protects your wishes and reduces stress later.

Education law

Help for parents and carers when you need clarity and direction.

Not sure what you need?

Describe the situation in one minute. We will point you to the right service and next steps.

Simple process

How we help you

We focus on practical outcomes, clear communication, and a service that feels calm and organised.

1

Tell us what happened

Submit the form or call us. A brief summary and any key dates is enough to get started.

2

We match the right solicitor

We confirm the best solicitor for your matter and arrange a call at a time that suits you.

3

Clear next steps & pricing

You receive a clear plan, fixed fee where possible, and no surprises along the way.

Quick Contact

Speak to a solicitor today or request a callback.

Phone

0141 433 2626

Address

34 Woodlands Road
Glasgow
G3 6UR

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

We focus on practical outcomes, clear communication, and a service that feels calm and organised.

In many cases we can provide fixed fees or clear estimates. We will confirm pricing once we understand your situation fully, so there are no unexpected charges.

Submit the form or call the office directly on 0141 433 2626. We aim to respond as soon as possible during opening hours, Monday to Friday.

A brief summary of what happened, key dates, and any documents you have. If you are unsure, just start with the basics and we will guide you from there.

We do not currently offer legal aid. We provide fixed fee and transparent pricing options. Please contact us to discuss the most cost-effective approach for your situation.

Client feedback

What our clients say

5.0 ★

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Ready to speak to a solicitor?

We will listen first, then guide you with clear next steps and honest pricing.

  • Free initial consultation
  • Experienced dispute resolution solicitors in Glasgow
  • Regulated by the Law Society of Scotland

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