Plain-English advice on common legal disputes, and how we can help

You do not need to be a business owner, a politician or a household name to end up in a legal dispute. Most disputes start in ordinary life. A parent’s Will does not say what everyone expected. A marriage breaks down and the finances are not straightforward. An insurer refuses to pay out. A workplace situation becomes something you can no longer tolerate. These situations are stressful, and they often feel like there is no real option but to wait until things become far more serious than they need to be.

At Griffin Law, we work with individuals and families facing disputes like these. Below, we outline some of the most common situations we’re asked to help with, the early warning signs worth acting on, and how we can support you — including transparent funding options and mediation, which is often a more cost-effective route than going to court.

Contested Wills and Inheritance Disputes

Losing a loved one is hard enough without discovering that a Will does not reflect what you expected, was made under suspicious circumstances or excludes someone with a legitimate claim. We are regularly instructed on disputes over an estate, known as contentious probate, which typically arise when there are questions about:

• Whether the person who made the Will had the mental capacity to do so
• Whether they were unduly influenced or pressured by someone close to them
• Whether the Will was properly signed and witnessed
• Whether a dependant or family member has been unfairly left out

These cases are emotionally charged, often within families, and time limits can apply. We provide early, specialist advice that protects both your position and, wherever possible, your relationships.

Divorce, Separation and Matrimonial Finance

Separating from a partner is rarely simple, particularly when finances, property or business interests are involved. We frequently assist with disputes that centre on:

• How matrimonial assets, including a family business or pension, should be divided
• Disagreements over the true value or ownership of assets
• Arrangements for children, and how decisions are made

Where a relationship has broken down acrimoniously, our team can help you reach a resolution that protects your financial future without making an already difficult situation worse.

Workplace Disputes, Bullying and Harassment

Not every workplace problem needs a lawyer, but some do. You may have a legal claim if you have experienced:

• Bullying, harassment or discrimination at work
• Unfair or constructive dismissal
• A dispute over your contract, bonus or notice terms

Employment disputes are time-sensitive, often with strict deadlines for bringing a claim, so it is worth speaking to us as soon as a situation starts to feel untenable, rather than waiting until it has reached crisis point.

Insurance Claims and Disputes

Insurers do not always pay out promptly, fully, or at all, even when a policy appears to cover the loss. Whether it is a rejected claim, an undervalued settlement offer, or a dispute over policy wording, individuals are often left feeling out-gunned by a well-resourced insurer. We help level that playing field.

Bankruptcy and Personal Debt Disputes

Facing bankruptcy, whether your own or a dispute over a debt owed to or by you, can feel frightening and isolating. There are often more options available than people realise, and the earlier you speak to us, the more of those options remain open.

When Disputes Cross Borders

Families and individuals are increasingly international, owning property abroad, holding overseas assets, or dealing with a dispute involving someone in another jurisdiction. Enforcing a UK judgment overseas, or a foreign judgment here, requires specific expertise. As an internationally recognised dispute resolution practice, we can navigate this for you without you needing to instruct separate firms in every country involved.

Funding: It Does Not Have to Cost the Earth

One of the biggest reasons people do not pursue a legitimate dispute is fear of the cost. That is understandable, but it should not be the deciding factor. We offer sensible options, including:

• Where applicable, discounted hourly rate conditional fee agreements, which share the litigation risk between client and lawyer, so we have a direct stake in the outcome alongside you

Talk to Us

Griffin Law is a niche dispute resolution practice. Unlike a general high street solicitor, all we do is litigation and dispute resolution, for individuals and families across Kent, London, and from around the world. We are proud to offer discounted hourly rate conditional fee agreements as standard, sharing the risk of litigation with every client, and our team includes accredited mediators for those who want to resolve matters without going to court.

If any of the situations above sound familiar, get in touch for a conversation. Early advice almost always costs far less than late advice.

Griffin Law is a dispute resolution firm comprising innovative, proactive, tenacious and commercially-minded lawyers. We pride ourselves on our close client relationships, which are uniquely enhanced by our transparent fee guarantee and a commitment to share the risks of litigation. For more details of our services please email justice@griffin.law or call 01732 52 59 23.

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Nothing in this document constitutes any form of legal advice upon which any person can place any form of reliance of any kind whatsoever. We expressly disclaim, and you hereby irrevocably agree to waive, all or any liability of any kind whatsoever, whether in contract, tort or otherwise, to you or any other person who may read or otherwise come to learn of anything covered or referred to in this document. In the event that you wish to take any action in connection with the subject matter of this document, you should obtain legal advice before doing so.