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Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Disputes over wills or inheritance can be emotional and stressful. At Heppenstalls, we help you find a resolution through ADR, giving you a way to settle matters efficiently and sensitively - without the need for costly court proceedings.

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What is Alternative Dispute Resolution?

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is a way to settle inheritance and will disputes without going to court. It includes methods such as mediation, negotiation, and early neutral evaluation, offering a less confrontational and more cost-effective approach.

At Heppenstalls, we guide you through each stage of the process, helping you understand your rights and explore practical solutions that protect relationships and preserve family assets. We’ll always act in your best interests while aiming for a fair and timely resolution.

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Solicitors

Why consider ADR?

ADR can be quicker, more flexible, and significantly less stressful. It allows families to keep control of the outcome while avoiding the uncertainty and cost of litigation.

Preserves relationships
A less confrontational approach can help reduce tension between family members.
Cost-effective
ADR is generally much cheaper than court proceedings.
Faster outcomes
Confidential
All discussions remain private and outside of public court records.
Explore your options today

Trusted Experts in ADR

Our team at Heppenstalls is experienced in advising clients through all forms of dispute resolution. We’ll listen carefully, explain your options clearly, and support you through the process from start to finish.

What Our Clients Say

We’re proud to be the legal partner of choice for so many individuals and families. Here’s what our clients have to say about working with Heppenstalls.

Diandra has been a great help with the probate and estates for both my parents. I’ve never had to do this before and she has been a life saver getting me through this. She has been able to guide me through this journey and answer all my questions. When times are hard and you don’t know what to do Diandra has take it all off my shoulders. It has been a pleasure working with her.
Gareth
Diandra has been a great help with the probate and estates for both my parents. I've never had to do... Read more
Diandra has been a great help with the probate and estates for both my parents. I've never had to do this before and she has been a life saver getting me through this. She has been able to guide me through this journey and answer all my questions. When times are hard and you don't know what to do Diandra has take it all off my shoulders. It has been a pleasure working with her. Read less
Gareth
Very good
All very good. Also, Tamsin is very helpful.
Croucher
Very good
All very good. Also, Tamsin is very helpful. Read more
All very good. Also, Tamsin is very helpful. Read less
Croucher
John G.
Professional and efficient service, thank you.
John G.
John G.
Professional and efficient service, thank you. Read more
Professional and efficient service, thank you. Read less
John G.
Friendly professional advice and service.
Excellent service. Jesamine gave clear advice and prepared the draft Will promptly. She was extremely friendly and approachable and the overall experience was excellent.
Anonymous
Friendly professional advice and service.
Excellent service. Jesamine gave clear advice and prepared the draft Will promptly. She was extremely friendly and approachable and the... Read more
Excellent service. Jesamine gave clear advice and prepared the draft Will promptly. She was extremely friendly and approachable and the overall experience was excellent. Read less
Anonymous
Change of will.
I would like to thank Jesamine Somerville who was a very pleasant and professional solicitor. I would recommend her to anyone needing a solicitor.
Janice P
Change of will.
I would like to thank Jesamine Somerville who was a very pleasant and professional solicitor. I would recommend her to... Read more
I would like to thank Jesamine Somerville who was a very pleasant and professional solicitor. I would recommend her to anyone needing a solicitor. Read less
Janice P
Thank you for making a challenging situation straight forward. Sadly, my father passed away and you handled probate in a sensitive way dealing with the challenges in a timely manner and always communicating without jargon. I have appreciated the service you have provided resulting in a swift resolution and easing the grief that I have felt. I thank you for your sensitivity and your patience in a difficult time for myself.
Alison M
Thank you for making a challenging situation straight forward. Sadly, my father passed away and you handled probate in a... Read more
Thank you for making a challenging situation straight forward. Sadly, my father passed away and you handled probate in a sensitive way dealing with the challenges in a timely manner and always communicating without jargon. I have appreciated the service you have provided resulting in a swift resolution and easing the grief that I have felt. I thank you for your sensitivity and your patience in a difficult time for myself. Read less
Alison M
Truly grateful
I wanted to take a moment to express my sincerest gratitude for your management of the estate. Your professionalism and attention to detail did not go unnoticed and made what could have been a difficult time much easier for my family and me. Your dedication to the case and persistence is greatly appreciated, and I am grateful for the role you played in making this possible. Once again, thank you for your services and for all that you have done for our family. We are truly grateful for your help during this time.
Keith
Truly grateful
I wanted to take a moment to express my sincerest gratitude for your management of the estate. Your professionalism and... Read more
I wanted to take a moment to express my sincerest gratitude for your management of the estate. Your professionalism and attention to detail did not go unnoticed and made what could have been a difficult time much easier for my family and me. Your dedication to the case and persistence is greatly appreciated, and I am grateful for the role you played in making this possible. Once again, thank you for your services and for all that you have done for our family. We are truly grateful for your help during this time. Read less
Keith
We were very pleased with the help and advice we were given to re-do our wills. We were also grateful to the secretaries who brought them to the house for us to sign
anonymous
We were very pleased with the help and advice we were given to re-do our wills. We were also grateful... Read more
We were very pleased with the help and advice we were given to re-do our wills. We were also grateful to the secretaries who brought them to the house for us to sign Read less
anonymous
View All Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Mediation is a voluntary process where a neutral third party helps both sides reach an agreement. Litigation involves going to court, which can be more formal, expensive, and time-consuming.

Yes. In many cases, ADR can still be used even after legal proceedings have begun. In fact, courts often encourage it.

While not always required, having legal advice ensures your rights are protected and that any agreement reached is fair and binding.

The outcome of mediation isn’t automatically binding unless it’s put into a formal legal agreement, which we can help you prepare.

Most inheritance and probate-related disagreements, including will validity, executor conduct, or disputes between beneficiaries, can be resolved through ADR.

How Can We Assist You?

Other Trusted Services

We offer a wide range of legal services for individuals, families, and businesses. Whether you’re planning ahead, navigating a challenge, or managing property or business matters, our solicitors are here to simplify the process and support you every step of the way.

Court of Protection

When someone close to you loses the ability to make decisions for themselves, it can
be overwhelming. Whether you’re planning ahead with a Power of Attorney or facing an
urgent need to apply to the Court of Protection, we’re here to guide you through the
process with clarity and care.

Residential Property

Whether you’re buying your first home, investing in property, or managing a family estate, our residential property team is here to guide you every step of the way. With local knowledge, decades of experience, and a personal approach, we make property transactions simple, clear, and stress-free.

Mediation

Mediation is an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process that aims to assist parties to address their dispute without the need (and cost) of having the matter settled formally at court.

Your Heppenstalls professional Mediator will help you resolve issues efficiently, respectfully and with minimum stress.

Wills, Trusts & Estates

Planning for the future can feel daunting, but with the right support, it doesn’t have to be. Our experienced team is here to take the stress away. We will give you clear, straightforward, and tailored advice about wills, trusts and dealing with the estate of someone who has died.

Commercial Property

Commercial property transactions can be complex, but with the right support, they don’t have to be stressful. At Heppenstalls, we provide clear, practical legal advice to help you buy, sell, lease, or finance with confidence. We make sure every detail is taken care of, so you can focus on what matters most – your business.

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