Contract Disputes

What it is: A contract dispute arises when parties disagree about the existence, meaning, or performance of an agreement, or where one party fails to meet its obligations, amounting to a breach of contract. Remedies can include damages, specific performance, or termination of the contract. When it applies: Disputes commonly involve non-payment, defective goods or services, missed deadlines, disagreements over interpretation, or allegations that a contract was never validly formed. They can affect commercial agreements, supply arrangements, service contracts, and dealings between individuals. How a solicitor helps: A commercial litigation solicitor reviews the contract and surrounding correspondence, advises on the strength of your position, and identifies the most cost-effective route to resolution. They pursue or defend claims through negotiation, mediation, or other forms of alternative dispute resolution, and where necessary conduct litigation in the County Court or High Court in accordance with the Civil Procedure Rules. First steps: Gather the contract, all related communications, and records of loss suffered, and avoid taking unilateral action that could weaken your position. Seek early advice, as pre-action protocols encourage parties to resolve matters before issuing proceedings. Limitation periods apply, generally six years for a simple contract in England and Wales. Scotland applies different limitation rules.