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01
Step One

Understanding Your Dispute

Clarifying the issues and your position.

5 min read

Before we explore your options, let's take a moment. Disputes are exhausting. You may feel wronged, frustrated, or uncertain. That's completely normal.

What Kind of Dispute Are You Facing?

Different disputes have different paths to resolution. Understanding what you are dealing with helps determine your best approach.

Contract Disputes

Someone hasn't delivered what they promised, or there's disagreement about what the agreement means.

Property Disputes

Boundary issues, easements, construction defects, or disagreements with neighbours about land use.

Commercial Disputes

Partnership disagreements, shareholder conflicts, or business relationship breakdowns.

Trust & Estate Disputes

Beneficiary concerns, trustee conduct issues, or disagreements about inheritance.

What Documents Matter?

Before exploring options, gather what you have. You don't need everything perfectly organised, but these help us understand your position:

  • Written agreements or contracts (if any exist)
  • Key correspondence (emails, letters, text messages)
  • Timeline of what happened and when
  • Evidence of damage or loss (photos, quotes)
  • Anything you've received from the other side

Don't worry if you are missing some of this. We can work with what you have.

Key Questions to Consider

Before our first conversation, think about:

  1. What outcome do you want? Money recovered? An apology? The relationship preserved?
  2. What's this dispute costing you? Not just money, but time, stress, and opportunity
  3. Do you need to maintain a relationship with the other party?
  4. What's your timeline? Is there urgency, or can this take time?
  5. What have you tried already? Have you attempted to resolve this directly?

What Carlile Dowling Does at This Stage

We help you assess your position objectively. A 30-minute conversation can clarify your options and likely outcomes. Many clients tell us they feel relief just knowing where they stand, even before we take any action.

Timeline Reality Check

How urgent is your situation?

If you've received court documents or a deadline

Call us today. Court deadlines are strict and missing them can hurt your position.

If you are in an ongoing dispute

Earlier is better than later. Each week that passes can complicate resolution.

If you are exploring options

Good thinking. Understanding your position now helps you act decisively if needed.

Not sure where you stand? Talk to us first.

Contact Us
Next Step

Your Options

Different ways to resolve disputes

Dealing with a dispute?

We help individuals and businesses resolve disputes efficiently across Hawke's Bay.

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