Court Guide · Sources checked 13 September 2026
Choose a starting route
Start with the issue and the decision-maker
A complaint challenges service or administration; an appeal challenges a decision through a defined legal route. Mediation tries to reach an agreement. An ombudsman or adjudicator may only deal with certain providers, subjects or stages. The route finder below gives a starting point, not a ruling on eligibility.
Keep appeal and limitation dates visible
A provider’s complaint process, mediation or an ombudsman referral does not automatically extend a court or tribunal deadline. Keep the original notice and dates and check with the official body or a qualified adviser if another process is also running.
What to prepare
Gather the contract or notice, a concise chronology, the correspondence, any final response and the outcome you want. Check the scheme’s rules on who can complain, when a case is ready, which evidence is needed and the effect of accepting a decision or settlement.
Sources and next steps
General information, not advice on an individual case. Follow current official instructions and seek qualified advice about legal decisions.