Until recently, if you had a legal problem, you would have gone to court or a tribunal. However, there are other methods of resolving disputes. Moreover, going to court can be expensive and off-putting. Expert Legal Advice can assist by helping you to choose which resolution procedure is best depending on your needs.

Grievance and complaints procedures are usually the first stage of resolution for many disagreements you have with companies, employers or government departments. In some cases, you cannot use another method of sorting out a problem (such as an ombudsman) if you have not gone through the complaints procedure.

The best complaints procedures are usually those where complaints are handled at a local level, often informally. This can be best for everyone. However, many complaints procedures do not have time limits, so sorting out a problem can take a long time. Also, complaints procedures are not independent, because they are drawn up and handled by the organisation you are complaining about.

If you are frustrated by a complaints procedure and feel you have done everything possible to sort out the problem by using it, find out what the next stage is. This is often an ombudsman, Speaking to Expert Legal Advice will clarify these issues. We can advise you on the nest steps.