What is dispute resolution?
Dispute resolution refers to all processes that are used to address disputes. It includes all dispute resolution methods and approaches from early resolution through to formal tribunal or court processes.
Disputes can involve:
- individuals (eg, neighbours in dispute over a shared driveway)
- companies (eg, an employee in dispute with an employer)
- sometimes the government itself (eg, a company challenging a decision by a government agency).
The functions of government
Government performs a number of functions in the resolution of disputes. It:
- provides ways for people to raise their issues
- sets the rules
- collects information about dispute resolution approaches and outcomes
- provides complaints and dispute resolution services. Many of these services are delivered privately within industries, sectors, and communities.
In all these situations, the parties involved generally have a range of options for managing or resolving the dispute. They may try to:
- resolve it themselves
- agree to use a third party to help them (eg, privately contract with a mediator)
- use a process provided by government (eg, a government mediation service, tribunal or ombudsman)
- use a process provided by the private sector (eg, an industry body).
In some circumstances, the formal court system may be an appropriate channel or a last recourse when other approaches have been unsuccessful.
How to File a Dispute
Within 30 days from the time of the incident client can file a complaint to UCP.
1. File a Complaint to Universal Consumer Protection (UCP)
You have to submit the supporting files one time only because UCP does not accept same case in multiple times.
3. Enforcement if needed
The UCP will use the International Enforcement power to gather all the information, if needed.
4. Determination Step
Based on the documents and information that was collected during Determination Step, the UCP will make a decision on the complaint. If additional information is needed, UCP will request such information from the consumer. Requested party must answer within 7 days.
5. Court Step
The UCP will submit the files to the International/National/State court based upon the case and it will take up to 7 - 45 days to settle down.
2. Start Investigation
The UCP will investigate the grounds of the complaint and verify its validity within 5 - 15 working days.Head of UCP will contact the consumer within 7 working days to obtain all necessary information and see if there is a chance to settle the complaint during investigation step.If no settlement opportunity during the Investigation step, complaint will go to the Determination step and the UCP.
6. Settlement of the Case
If complainant agrees with UCP’s decision, they need to accept it within 7 - 14 days. If the Opposite party does not respond to the UCP’s decision within 14 days the complaint is considered closed.The winner of the case will get the award with settlement and opposite party will get right court orders/punishment/fines and the complaint is considered closed.