Most people are familiar with the concept of ‘checking the small print’ on contracts before signing, but no matter how thoroughly you read the agreement through, things can still go wrong.

It is always a good idea to understand every single aspect of a contractual agreement you are entering into, but, no matter how water-tight you consider your contract to be, disputes and disagreements still arise. Most commonly, arguments arise over breach of contract. Contractual dispute is an unfortunate part of life and if not handled correctly, it can cause irreparable damage.

Virtually every transaction in our lives will involve a contract – from mobile phones to employing a builder to refurbish your home – but no-one expects things to go wrong. Disputes can arise over the terms of a contract or sometimes even whether a contract exists. Whatever your situation, Simply.Law member solicitors will have the specific knowledge and experience to guide you through mediation or litigation as necessary.

Simply.Law can put you in contact with a number of member lawyers who specialise in contractual disputes and solicitors experienced in contract dispute resolution, so that you can choose the lawyer most suited to your needs. The earlier you take legal advice, the more likely you are to emerge from the dispute favourably.

If a dispute arises, should I attempt to resolve it myself before seeking legal advice?

There’s no hard and fast rule about when to seek legal advice in a contractual dispute, however, in general, the earlier you approach a contract law solicitor, the stronger your position will be.

If you think there’s a problem, a well-worded letter drafted by a solicitor and sent at the outset can sometimes result in early resolution.

What benefits are there to early legal intervention in contractual disputes?

It will be important to establish exactly what your contractual position is before any decisions can be made. Early intervention can save time as well as limit:

• disruption and damage
• financial loss
• associated dispute resolution costs

Engaging an Simply.Law member lawyer to provide an astute evaluation of the contractual environment can be vital in understanding the motivation of all parties and where a possible compromise might lie.

Before you decide which route is right for you, it’s worth bearing in mind that litigation can be a costly choice. If not resolved early – through negotiation and mediation – contractual disputes can go all the way to the civil courts.

When a contractual dispute arises, Simply.Law’s member lawyers can be there to help

Specific legal analysis of your situation from Simply.Law member solicitors can help you to reach a resolution quickly and cost effectively. We can put you in touch with a member solicitor who will be experienced in the specific contractual dispute area that you are experiencing.

Whether you are already in dispute with a retailer, a service provider or someone else, or perhaps you wish to raise a dispute about a new breach of contract, talk to Simply.Law today so that we can put you in contact with the right practitioner for your needs.