Resolving a Dispute

When it comes to resolving a dispute between business partners, family members, spouses or other interpersonal relationships, what are the steps you can take to resolve the dispute, and do you need a lawyer?

Disputes often appear when parties struggle with who is in the right or who wronged whom.
While there are guidelines under the principles of the rule of law which includes both substantive and procedural rules, the average person who feels aggrieved, can benefit from these practices:

• Discussion in a calm sensible manner.
  
• Negotiation to resolution
  
• Facilitated Negotiation (mediation)
  
• Civil litigation – Civil Resolution Tribunal,
  
• Small Claims or Supreme Court of BC
  
• Arbitration - see arbitration services online

The only process where you really should have a lawyer, is an action in the Supreme Court of BC. However, good advice from a lawyer or trustworthy friend can assist in helping with any of these methods of dispute resolution.

If you find the dispute is getting elevated and you can't quite settle your differences on your own, MBJ Law specializes in disputes and moderations. Contact us to learn more about how we can assist you.