Among the 64 hexagrams, the one most directly tied to disputes is Hexagram of Conflict (Sòng). It is formed by the trigrams of Heaven above and Water below, symbolizing strength meeting danger, which translates into conflict and opposition. The judgment says: 'Conflict: with sincerity, yet cautious, mid-stage good, final stage ominous.' This reminds that even if you are in the right, remain wary and know when to stop; dragging a lawsuit to the end brings danger. Traditional interpretation suggests that obtaining this hexagram advises settling rather than fighting. Besides Conflict, hexagrams like Army (Shī), Waiting (Xū), and the Abyss (Kǎn) are also associated with lawsuits and disputes. When consulting about a case, the interpreter looks at the overall hexagram, moving lines, and the position of the parties to gauge favorable or unfavorable trends—as a psychological reminder.

Traditionally, to consult the I Ching about a lawsuit, one uses methods like tossing three coins or calculating a hexagram based on the current time to obtain the primary hexagram and its transformed hexagram. When interpreting, the reader first identifies where the consulting party stands in the hexagram—usually the Self line (shì yáo) represents the questioner and the Other line (yìng yáo) represents the opponent. The strength or weakness of these lines, and their generating or overcoming relationships, are observed. If the Self line is strong and the Other line is weak, it's often read as favorable to the questioner; the opposite calls for caution. The position of any moving lines and the resulting transformed hexagram can also affect the interpretation, for example signaling a chance for settlement or delays. A key principle is 'sincerity brings response' and 'do not consult if there is no doubt'—repeatedly casting on the same issue tends to confuse the hexagrams. These methods are cultural thought tools that help people settle their emotions and clarify their situation, not absolute predictions of a judgment.

Although using the I Ching for lawsuits has a long folk tradition, modern people should approach it with reason and objectivity. The hexagrams offer symbolic insight, allowing one to think about their situation from different angles, weigh the cost of fighting, and consider the possibility of settlement. Much of the wisdom in Conflict hexagram actually encourages harmony and taking a step back—a principle that aligns with modern legal emphasis on mediation and settlement. What truly determines a lawsuit's outcome is sufficient evidence, clear legal relationships, and professional legal representation. Relying solely on divination to make decisions can lead to misjudgment. It's recommended to treat I Ching consultation as a cultural experience and a way to psychologically prepare, while staying calm and seeking proper legal advice.