How it works
From starting a case to receiving a binding decision. Everything happens online, in writing, with no hearing to attend.
Start the case
One party fills in the online form with both parties’ details, a short summary of the dispute and the amount at stake. The fixed fee is calculated automatically and paid by card through Stripe. One party can pay, or the fee can be split 50:50.
Both parties sign the agreement
We send both parties a Contractual Decision Matrix (CDM). This short document records who the parties are, what is to be decided and that both agree to be bound by the decision. Both sign it electronically.
If the other party has not agreed yet, send them our invitation first.
We check and accept the case
Once both have signed, we check for conflicts of interest and confirm the dispute is suitable for a decision on the documents.
Each side uploads its documents
You receive a secure upload link. Each party uploads one case statement and one file of supporting evidence, as single PDFs. Both parties can see what the other has uploaded.
The page limit for the case statement depends on the fee band (see below). Core contract documents do not count towards it.
The neutral reviews everything
The neutral reads the contract, the documents and both written cases. If something needs explaining, either party or the neutral can ask for a clarification call (£200 + VAT).
You receive the decision
The neutral issues a written, binding decision, called the Independent Determination, within 10 business days of the matter being ready. The matter is ready once both parties have uploaded their documents and confirmed they are content to proceed.
Done when it suits you, not the court
In court, even a small claim runs to the court’s timetable. You must meet its deadlines and attend hearings during the working day, and larger claims often have case management hearings too.
With Dispute Neutral, once both businesses agree, you each upload your documents through the online platform whenever it suits you: at 10pm, in your pyjamas if you like. There is no hearing to attend and no need to take time out of your working day.
- Court
- The court’s timetable, deadlines and hearings in working hours
- Dispute Neutral
- Online, at any time of day, with no hearing
Page limits
Each party’s written case statement can be up to:
| Amount in dispute | Pages per side |
|---|---|
| Up to £4,000 | 15 pages |
| £4,001 to £10,000 | 25 pages |
| £10,001 to £25,000 | 30 pages |
| £25,001 to £150,000 | 50 pages |
| Non-money decisions | 50 pages |
Core contract documents are extra and do not count. If you need more pages, you can move the case up to a higher band, either when you start the case or later through an additional payment.
Your documents
Uploaded documents are visible to both parties for the purposes of the case. Once the decision is issued, they stay available for 14 days and are then deleted automatically. See our privacy notice.
What the neutral does, and does not do
- Decides the dispute independently, applying the contract, the relevant law and commercial common sense.
- Acts as an expert, not as an arbitrator. The decision is final and binding except in cases of fraud or manifest error.
- Does not act for either party and does not give legal advice to either side.
Get a binding decision in 10 business days
Fixed fees from £650 + VAT. Both businesses agree, send their documents, and an independent lawyer decides.
Prevent the next one: add our free clause to your terms of business.