Alternative Dispute Resolution

We are forward-thinking and do not restrict ourselves to the courts as the only way to solve disputes.

The court system is beset by complicated rules and requires that everybody obeys them. Complying with those rules is often very costly as solicitors may have to carry out considerable work at the client's expense to meet the requirements of the court. Under-funding of the court system means that there are simply too few court staff and available judges, so the inevitable result is delay. Often a short delay becomes months because the court cannot find an appointment. Despite the reduced service, court fees are also continually on the rise at rates well above inflation, so Hedleys can consider alternative (and often cheaper) ways of resolving disputes.

There are often ways of solving legal situations that provide better solutions than the court would be able to provide. We will look for them.

Mediation, arbitration and 'collaborative law' have all had success providing effective solutions quicker and cheaper than the courts.