Fiducia TogetherAdjudication
Fast dispute resolution in construction. Twenty-eight days, and the decision binds for now.
Please note: This page explains what a term means. It is general information, not legal, financial, tax or investment advice, and it does not know anything about your business. Before you sign, file or commit to anything, check it with an accountant, a solicitor, or the official guidance we link to.
What it means
Adjudication is a statutory right in construction contracts to refer a dispute to an adjudicator who must decide within 28 days of referral.
Why it matters
It exists because construction disputes about payment would otherwise stop projects. The decision is binding until finally determined by court or arbitration, and in practice most are never revisited.
What it looks like in practice
Either party can start it at any time. The timetable is brutal — a responding party has days to prepare a response — which favours whoever prepared before starting.
What to watch out for
Being on the receiving end unprepared. And "smash and grab" adjudications, where a failure to serve a valid payless notice on time makes the applied-for sum payable regardless of its merit.
Where to get proper advice
A construction solicitor or a claims consultant, immediately on receiving a notice of adjudication. Days matter.
Where to read more
Last reviewed 2026-08-28 by Fiducia Together · Next review due 2027-08-28
Please note: This page explains what a term means. It is general information, not legal, financial, tax or investment advice, and it does not know anything about your business. Before you sign, file or commit to anything, check it with an accountant, a solicitor, or the official guidance we link to.