
Handle Your Civil Dispute with Trusted Solicitors in Cumbria
Representing our clients’ interests in a full range of matters. An accident that wasn’t your fault? A problem tenant or misunderstanding with your landlord? Whatever you’re dealing with, Brockbanks Solicitors and our teams in Whitehaven and surrounding Cumbria can ensure you don’t do it alone.

Understanding civil litigation
We appreciate the difficulties that a civil dispute can cause. Whether it’s with a supplier, such as a builder or tradesman, or with your landlord or tenant, civil disputes can be very stressful. Often, these disagreements are very close to home (actually involving your property in many cases) and may result in the threat or issue of court proceedings. The legal process for solving these disputes is called civil litigation, and that’s where Brockbanks Solicitors comes in.
Our civil litigation team is here to ensure you get justice in your disputes, whatever the root cause. We are here to support you in the right manner and have an excellent track record in resolving disputes through mediation, negotiation and the courts, to limit friction and the duration of the dispute.

Clear guidance through civil litigation and dispute resolution
Every matter involving civil litigation is organised around a clear review of the facts you provide and the documents connected to your situation. This allows us to establish what has already taken place and what information may still be needed before any action is taken. We then identify the most relevant legal framework and confirm what evidence will be important for your matter. At this stage, we also consider whether early dispute resolution routes could be appropriate depending on the nature of the issue and the parties involved.
Where appropriate, we may also highlight connected legal matters such as will writing, particularly where personal or family circumstances form part of the background to the dispute.
Review of submitted information and supporting records
Identification of relevant legal structure for your civil litigation matter
Assessment of whether dispute resolution may apply
Clarification of documentation still required
Consideration of linked matters such as will writing where relevant
Local knowledge you can rely on

The advantage of working with a Cumbria solicitor
Working with a solicitor based in Cumbria gives you direct access to a team that is familiar with local expectations around communication, service standards, and how clients prefer to engage during a legal matter. At Brockbanks Solicitors, you benefit from having multiple office locations, making it easier to arrange meetings in a way that suits your routine and personal commitments. This flexibility is particularly helpful for clients who prefer in-person discussions rather than remote-only contact.
You will also have a consistent point of contact throughout your matter, ensuring you always know who to speak to without having to repeat your situation multiple times. This helps make communication simpler and more comfortable, especially during longer-running issues. If you need support or clarity at any stage, you can contact our team to arrange a direct conversation in Cumbria.Speak to our solicitors

Our legal services
Getting the right representation is crucial, irrespective of the issue you’re dealing with. With decades of experience and 5 offices set up around Cumbria, including Whitehaven, Carlisle and Cockermouth, Brockbanks Solicitors can ensure you’re well-equipped to fight your case.
Representing you in a range of situations
We will explain where you stand in terms of your legal position, and what can be done to try to resolve the issues for you. Where appropriate, we aim to provide a solution without the need to go to court and look to resolve disputes in the most cost-effective and stress-free ways in all cases. We can provide advice and representation before the court for a range of disputes, including:
Landlord and tenant disputes
Neighbour and boundary disputes
Litigation involving suppliers
Data breaches
Contested probate
Inheritance act claims
Our Civil Litigation & Disputes Services
Our team of Civil Litigation & Disputes experts

Geoffrey Hall

Cathy Hawks
Nataliia Vostrikova
John Gibson
Frequently asked questions
Who is responsible for repairs, the landlord or the tenant?
Responsibility for repairs is usually set out in the tenancy agreement, but the law also places certain repairing duties on landlords that can’t simply be signed away. Disputes often arise where the agreement is unclear or where one side believes the other isn’t doing their part. Brockbanks Solicitors will look at your agreement and your situation, explain exactly where responsibility lies, and advise on the best way to resolve the disagreement.
What can I do if a builder or tradesperson has let me down?
If a supplier has done poor work, left a job unfinished, or charged you more than agreed, you may have grounds to take the matter further. The first step is to understand your rights and what a fair outcome would look like. Brockbanks Solicitors can untangle the situation, explain where you stand, and help you put it right.
How do I find out where my boundary actually is?
The starting point is usually your title deeds and the title plan held by the Land Registry, though these don’t always pin down the exact line on the ground, which is why boundaries are such a common source of disagreement. A boundary report or survey can help where the documents leave room for doubt. Brockbanks Solicitors can review your title deeds and plans, and arrange boundary reports and surveying where needed, to give you a clear picture of where you stand.
What counts as a personal injury claim?
A personal injury claim is a claim for compensation when you’ve been hurt in an accident that wasn’t your fault, such as a road traffic accident or an injury at work. It can cover the injury itself as well as related losses like loss of earnings, medical costs and rehabilitation. At Brockbanks Solicitors, our personal injury team will listen to what happened, assess your claim, and explain clearly where you stand.
Can my landlord evict me, and how much notice do I get?
A landlord can seek to end a tenancy, but they generally have to follow a proper legal process, which usually means serving the correct notice and, if you don’t leave, applying to the court for a possession order. They can’t simply force you out. The amount of notice you’re entitled to, and the route a landlord has to follow, depend on your type of tenancy and the reason for seeking possession — and these rules are set by law and currently changing. Brockbanks Solicitors keeps on top of the current requirements and can advise you on whether the process has been followed correctly and what your options are.
What types of supplier disputes does Brockbanks handle?
We help homeowners in disagreements with all kinds of trades, including builders, painters and decorators, electricians, plumbers, gas engineers and gardeners. Whether the problem is workmanship, costs, or a job that was never finished, we’ve dealt with similar disputes before. Brockbanks Solicitors will take the time to understand exactly what’s gone wrong before recommending a way forward.
My neighbour and I disagree about the fence line. What can I do?
Disagreements over fences, hedges and walls are among the most common neighbour disputes, and they’re often best tackled early before they harden into something more serious. Getting clear advice on your legal position can help you resolve things without a drawn-out fight. Brockbanks Solicitors will explain your rights, help you understand the title plans, and work towards a constructive outcome rather than confrontation.
How long do I have to make a personal injury claim?
There is a time limit for bringing a personal injury claim, so it’s important to act sooner rather than later — gathering evidence is also easier while events are still fresh. The exact deadline depends on the type of claim and your circumstances, which is why it’s worth getting advice early. For most personal injury claims in England and Wales the limit is three years, usually running from the date of the accident or from the date you became aware of the injury — though some situations are treated differently. At Brockbanks Solicitors, we’ll tell you straight away whether you’re within time and what the next steps are.
What can I do about rent arrears as a landlord?
If a tenant falls behind on rent, you have legal routes to recover what you’re owed and, where appropriate, to seek possession, though each route has its own steps and timing. Acting promptly and following the correct procedure gives you the strongest position. Brockbanks Solicitors will advise you on the best approach for recovering arrears and resolving the matter efficiently, with minimal disruption.
Will I have to go to court to resolve a dispute with a supplier?
Not necessarily. Many disputes with suppliers can be resolved without court proceedings, through negotiation or other means, which is usually quicker and less stressful for everyone. Where court is the right option, we’ll guide you through it. Brockbanks Solicitors focuses on getting you the right outcome in the most appropriate way.
Getting lost in the legalities of a dispute?
Get the right team on side. Call Brockbanks Solicitors on
01946 692194 for advice and support.




