Contract Disputes
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Contract disputes can arise for a number of reasons. They usually come up when one party fails to perform their obligations or breaches the terms of the agreement, or, where both sides disagree on the interpretation of the contractual terms.
A contract dispute solicitor can assist at various stages of the dispute, from prevention and negotiation to formal legal proceedings. Their role is to provide legal guidance, promote their client's interests, and work towards a resolution that aligns with the terms of the contract and the law.
At GloverPriest, we understand how difficult contract disputes can be. If you find yourself facing a contract dispute, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our experienced contract dispute solicitors.
A contract dispute arises when the parties involved in a contractual agreement find themselves in disagreement. This situation commonly occurs when one party holds certain expectations regarding the fulfilment of contractual obligations by the other party, only to face disappointment when those expectations are not met.
Alternatively, a contract dispute may surface when one party does not follow their duties, resulting in a breach of the previously agreed terms.
Contract disputes can happen in all sorts of situations, including:
A breach of contract happens when someone doesn’t do what they agreed to in a contract. This could happen in a few different ways – maybe the contract was in writing, or it might have been a verbal agreement. Either way, if one party fails to deliver on their promises, misses deadlines, or provides services that don’t meet the standards agreed upon, it’s considered a breach.
Breaches can vary in seriousness. Some might be minor, but others can have bigger consequences. Regardless, all breaches can lead to legal issues if they’re not dealt with. Whether it’s a misunderstanding or a deliberate choice not to comply, a breach of contract can strain relationships and lead to financial problems if left unresolved.
If the other party hasn’t followed through on what they agreed to in your contract, there’s a good chance you're dealing with a breach. This can happen for a few reasons – maybe they didn’t do what was promised, decided to back out, or refused to complete their side of the agreement. Here are some signs that a breach may have occurred:
If any of this sounds familiar, you might be facing a breach of contract. The good news is, we’re here to help. Our team of experienced contract dispute lawyers can talk you through your options and help you figure out the best course of action.
Depending on the situation, you could:
Whether you need to enforce an agreement or claim compensation, GloverPriest’s contract dispute specialists are here to guide you through the process and help you find a solution as quickly and smoothly as possible.
There are a number of ways you can settle a contract dispute. They all depend on the willingness of both parties to resolve the dispute, the matters being disputed and whether you want to go to court or settle outside of court. Legal experts can guide parties through the pros and cons of each method, ensuring a tailored approach to their specific situation.
Negotiation: An open discussion between parties or their representatives which can often lead to successful resolutions. This cost-effective and quick method is particularly beneficial for preserving ongoing commercial relationships.
Mediation: A neutral third party, known as the mediator, assists parties in reaching a mutually agreeable settlement. This process encourages cooperation and compromise.
Arbitration: Arbitration is a more formal and binding method where an arbitrator decides the case. The decision, except in limited circumstances, cannot be appealed.
Adjudication: Common in the construction industry, adjudication provides a quick way to gain clarity on an issue without disrupting ongoing projects. An adjudicator's decision is binding unless later determined through arbitration.
Litigation: Litigation is often considered a last resort, but there are instances where it becomes unavoidable. Before proceeding to court, parties are expected to follow a 'Pre-action Protocol,' encouraging the exchange of information for a swift out-of-court settlement. Failing to adhere to this protocol may result in penalties on costs, even if the case is won.
At GloverPriest, we handle disputes across a wide variety of contracts, assisting both businesses and individuals. Our contract dispute lawyers are here to provide expert legal advice, no matter the nature of the contract or the complexity of the dispute. We specialise in resolving disputes related to:
Whether you’re an individual or a business, our contract dispute solicitors have extensive experience in all kinds of disputes and aim to assist with a quick resolution often without the need for a formal court procedure.
If you would like further advice on contractual dispute matters, please don’t hesitate to contact our contract dispute solicitors today on 01217945814.
Alternatively, complete our enquiry form and a member of our team will be in touch.
Contracts with unclear or ambiguous language are to cause misunderstandings. When terms are open to interpretation, parties may develop differing views which can cause disputes.
When one party falls short in meeting their contractual obligations, disputes can arise. Whether it's a matter of performance, quality, or timeliness, failure to deliver as promised can strain the contractual relationship and lead to disagreements.
Disputes can also emerge when disagreements arise over proposed changes or modifications to the contract. On the other hand, disputes revolving around payment terms, pricing structures, or billing discrepancies are common.
There are three main things you’ll need to prove when dealing with a breach of contract:
The very first step in resolving a contract dispute is to communicate the issue to the other party of the contract.
It may be that they hadn’t realised that they had breached a term in the contract for instance. They may be able to come up with a solution quickly allowing the contractual relationship to continue on good terms.
In this case, it is fair to give the other party an opportunity to fix the problem if it is a minor issue. If the dispute is more severe, the first step may be to lodge a formal complaint. If you are unsure how to proceed with the dispute, it is a good idea to get legal advice from a contract solicitor first.
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