# Initiate disputes
source: https://developer.mastercard.com/mastercom-extended/documentation/use_cases/disputeinitiate/index.md

## How dispute initiation works {#how-dispute-initiation-works}

The dispute initiation overview diagram displays the steps for the dispute initiation process. For more information, refer to the [Initiate disputes](https://developer.mastercard.com/mastercom-extended/tutorial/disputeinitiate/index.md) tutorial.
Note: In the following graphics, optional steps are denoted with dashed arrows instead of solid arrows. Diagram overview_disputeinitiation

**Step 1:** The issuer searches for transactions. The transaction search response will contain any Claim IDs in Mastercom Extended already associated with the transaction. Claim IDs from the Mastercom API v6 system will not be in this response.  

**Step 2:** The issuer creates a claim for the selected transaction. If a claim has previously been created in Mastercom v6 for a transaction, an attempted Mastercom Extended Claim Creation API call (POST /claims) will yield an error message indicating a claim has already been created for this transaction in the Mastercom v6 system.  

**Step 3-optional:** The issuer retrieves claim details with associated events.  

**Step 4-optional:** The issuer uploads documentation.  

**Step 5:** The issuer initiates a dispute and creates a first chargeback for the original transaction.  

**Step 6-optional:** The issuer uploads and attaches the chargeback documentation (if not uploaded when the dispute was created).  

**Step 7-optional:** The issuer retrieves document processing details.  

## Initiate a dispute {#initiate-a-dispute}

Issuers use this endpoint to initiate a dispute.
Diagram initiatedispute
API Reference: `POST /claims/{claim_id}/disputes`