Civil Disputes
A disagreement that needs a formal path.
At Matt and Zen we act in civil disputes: contract and commercial disagreements, debts, and disputes about property and obligations between parties.
The first question is rarely who is right. It is what it costs to establish that, how long it takes, and whether the other party can pay at the end of it.
We give you that assessment early, including when it points away from proceeding. A claim worth less than the cost of running it is not worth running.
Scope
We can assist with the following, and more.
Commercial
- Contract disputes
- Disputes over the meaning of an agreement
- Shareholder and partnership disputes
- Disputes following a sale of business
Recovery
- Debt recovery
- Demands and pre-action correspondence
- Enforcing a judgment or a settlement
Property and other
- Disputes over property, boundaries and obligations
- Disputes with a supplier or a customer
- Claims involving a trust or an estate
Routes
- Negotiation and pre-action resolution
- Disputes Tribunal, District Court and High Court
- Arbitration where an agreement requires it
- Mediation at any stage
Cost
The real question is what it costs to be right.
Most civil disputes are won or lost commercially rather than legally. Costs, delay, and whether the other side can actually pay decide more outcomes than the merits do.
Even a successful claim rarely recovers all of what it cost to bring. Costs awards are partial, and they come at the end.
We set that out at the start, so the decision to proceed is made with the economics in front of you rather than after them.
Questions
Frequently asked questions.
Should I sue?
Sometimes. More often there is a cheaper route to the same result. We will tell you which situation you are in before you spend much.
How long does a civil claim take?
Longer than people expect, and the timeframe is mostly outside your control. That alone is a reason to take settlement seriously.
Will I recover my legal costs if I win?
Partly. Costs awards are generally a contribution, not full recovery, and they are paid at the end if the other side can pay.
What is the Disputes Tribunal?
A low-cost forum for smaller claims, without lawyers appearing. For modest amounts it is often the sensible route, and we can help you prepare.
The other side may not be able to pay. Does that matter?
Enormously. A judgment against someone with no assets is an expensive piece of paper. We check this before advising you to proceed.
Is there a time limit?
Yes. Limitation periods apply to civil claims and they vary by claim type. Have the dates checked early.