Disputes and litigation solicitors in Leicester

Dispute resolution and litigation solicitors in Leicester

Last updated 26 September 2026. General information, not legal advice.

Disputes cover disagreements that might end up in court: unpaid invoices, broken contracts, faulty work, disputes with neighbours over boundaries or rights of way, claims against professionals, and challenges to wills. A good disputes solicitor spends a lot of their time trying to keep things out of court.

How a dispute usually runs

Before issuing a claim, parties are expected to follow the relevant pre-action protocol: set out the claim in a letter, give the other side time to respond, exchange key documents and consider settlement, including mediation. The courts can penalise parties who ignore this. If the dispute isn’t resolved, a claim is issued and allocated to a track based mainly on its value: small claims (generally up to £10,000), fast track, intermediate track, or multi-track for larger or more complex cases.

Is it worth it?

Before you start, ask your solicitor three questions. How strong is my case? What will it cost to get to trial, and how much of that might I get back if I win? Can the other side pay? A strong claim against someone with no money can be a poor investment. Many disputes settle, and the right time to settle is often earlier than people expect.

Contested wills and inheritance claims

Challenges to wills (for example on the grounds of lack of capacity or undue influence) and claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 are handled by disputes solicitors with probate experience. Inheritance Act claims generally have to be brought within six months of the grant of probate, so timing matters.

Costs

Disputes are usually charged by the hour, with estimates for each stage. Some firms offer fixed fees for debt recovery or letters before action, and SRA-regulated firms publish price information for debt recovery up to £100,000. Conditional fee agreements and litigation funding are available for some cases. Check whether you have legal expenses insurance, which is often included in home or business policies.

Common questions

Can I take someone to court without a solicitor?

Yes, especially in the small claims track, which generally covers claims up to £10,000 and where each side usually pays its own legal costs. Many small claims now go through a free mediation appointment first.

How long do I have to bring a claim?

It depends on the type of claim. Six years from the breach is the general rule for contract claims, but many claims have shorter or more complicated limits. If a deadline might be close, get advice now.

Will I get my legal costs back if I win?

Outside the small claims track, the loser usually pays a contribution to the winner's costs, but rarely all of them, and a costs order is only worth something if the other side can pay.

This guide is general information about the law in England and Wales and isn't legal advice on your situation. Solicitor Leicester is a directory, not a law firm.