Contract & Agreement Disputes
Contracts establish the obligations and expectations between parties. When an agreement is unclear, one party fails to perform its obligations or a contract is brought to an end unexpectedly, a dispute can develop.
SWM Solicitors provides advice on contract and agreement disputes, helping individuals and businesses understand their contractual rights and determine how disagreements can be addressed.
Understanding Contractual Rights and Obligations
Breach of Contract
A breach of contract can occur when a party fails to fulfil an obligation under an agreement. The consequences can depend on the terms of the contract and the nature of the breach.
Contract Interpretation
Contract wording does not always provide the certainty that the parties expected. Different interpretations of the same provision can lead to disagreement about what each party is required to do.
Disputes About Ending an Agreement
Contract Termination Disputes
Ending a contract can itself become a source of conflict, particularly where the parties disagree about whether termination was permitted or whether the required contractual procedure was followed.
Goods, Services and Commercial Agreements
Sale of Goods Disputes
Disputes concerning the sale of goods can involve disagreements about what was supplied, payment, contractual obligations or whether the goods met the agreed requirements.
Service Agreement Disputes
Service agreements set out the services to be provided and the responsibilities of each party. Disputes may arise over the quality or scope of services, payment or whether contractual obligations have been fulfilled.
Commercial Agreement Disputes
Commercial agreements govern a wide range of business relationships and transactions. A dispute may concern the meaning of a provision, performance of an obligation, payment, delivery or termination.
Resolving Contractual Disputes
Settlement Agreements
Some contractual disputes can be resolved without proceeding to a full trial. A settlement agreement can provide a way for parties to resolve their dispute on agreed terms and bring the matter to an end.
Before Starting Court Proceedings
Contract disputes are often influenced by the wording of the agreement itself. It is therefore important to establish what the contract says before deciding what action should be taken.
Our solicitors can review the relevant documents, identify the key contractual issues and advise on potential routes to resolution.
Protecting Your Position
Whether you are seeking to enforce an agreement or responding to an allegation that you have breached one, early legal advice can help you make informed decisions.
We can advise on correspondence, negotiations and, where necessary, formal legal proceedings.
Resolving Contract Disputes
Our aim is to help clients reach a sensible resolution while protecting their legal and commercial interests.
Where a negotiated solution is not possible, we can advise on the next steps and representation available through litigation.