Contract Dispute Solicitors

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0800 988 7756

Contracts form the basis of much of our personal and business interaction, and there is a wide scope for legal disagreement when their terms are breached or misunderstood. At Levi Solicitors, our experienced contract dispute solicitors provide advice and representation for both individuals and businesses.

If you or your organisation are dealing with a breach of contract, we can step in to help resolve matters promptly. We always aim to find an out-of-court solution and to minimise conflict.

Speaking to lawyers for contract disputes early on can prevent a disagreement from escalating and give you the best chance of handling matters without the need for litigation.

We offer a full range of contract dispute services, including:

Disputes over payment
Disputes over the delivery of goods or the supply of services
Construction contract disputes
Disputes over the interpretation of clauses in the contract
Partnership agreement disputes
Misrepresentation

For more information on our related services, see our commercial dispute resolution solicitors page.

Contact our contract dispute solicitors in Leeds and London

If you need to speak to an experienced contract dispute lawyer, call us on 0800 988 7756 or fill in the enquiry form on this page. We will speak to you to find out more about your situation and explain how we can help.

Our breach of contract lawyers for individual and commercial contract disputes are available in Leeds, Moortown and London, offering straightforward advice that you can rely on.

How can we help?

Complete our enquiry form and we’ll get back to you.

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Why choose our contract dispute solicitors?

Our contract disputes solicitors are experienced in dealing with a full range of individual and business contract disputes, including breach of contract claims. We will give you commercial and practical advice on your position, with a focus on resolving your dispute as quickly and cost-effectively as possible.

As with most disputes, the earlier you can instruct solicitors, the more likely our team will be able to resolve the dispute amicably. However, we can help at any stage. Whether getting the parties around the table for a without prejudice discussion, going all the way to a trial, or anything in between, our advice will be tailored to your situation and your dispute.

Our contract dispute services

Disputes over payment

Disputes over payment are common, including the failure to meet payment deadlines or the way in which a payment is made. We can represent you in recovering the debt in the most efficient way possible.

Disputes over the delivery of goods or the supply of services

Failures involving the delivery of goods or supply of services can be damaging to a business, with a knock-on effect that has the potential to cause substantial losses. We can take action to recover damages to cover any losses you have sustained.

Construction contract disputes

Construction is a complex area of law involving many contracts between different parties. When a dispute arises, we know how essential it is to find a quick solution to allow work to continue seamlessly. Our contract dispute solicitors will work to resolve matters promptly and with minimal conflict.

Disputes over the interpretation of clauses in the contract

When parties have different interpretations of a contract, it can cause difficulties. We can advise you of your legal position and negotiate on your behalf to find a way forward. We have many years of experience interpreting contracts and representing clients in enforcing contract terms.

Partnership agreement disputes

We know that partnership disputes can escalate if they are not tackled quickly and effectively. It is often the case that agreements were made some time ago when relations were cordial and they do not stand the test of time. We can work with you to find a solution that will protect your business and allow you to move forward, whether this is with or without your partners.

Misrepresentation

If you have discovered that you entered into a contract based on a statement made to you that you later found to be untrue, we can advise you of your options. There may be various remedies available to you depending upon your circumstances.

Verbal and written contracts

Contracts can be created verbally and in writing. If you are relying on a verbal contract, we can work with you to establish evidence of the terms and the best way of enforcing your rights.

If you have a written contract, we can advise you of the strengths and weaknesses of your case. We will discuss the options open to you and work to find a solution without the need for litigation wherever possible.

Key questions about contract disputes

What is a contract dispute?

A contract dispute refers to any disagreement involving a contract, including whether a contract exists, what the intention of a contract term is, whether the contract has been breached, fraud or misrepresentation prior to the signing of the contract, and errors made in the drafting of the contract.

There are different types of contract breaches, as follows:

Repudiatory breach, which goes to the heart of the contract, and automatically gives you the right to terminate it.
Material breach, which is a major breach of the contract; in some circumstances, you may be able to terminate the contract, but this is not automatic.
Minor breach, where you can ask for damages.
Anticipatory breach, where one party makes it clear that they will not be carrying out their obligations under the contract.

What are the most common causes of contract disputes?

Some of the most common causes of individual and commercial contract disputes that we deal with include:

Breach of contract – where one party does not meet their contractual obligations, for example, not delivering goods or services on time.

Not making agreed payments – including late payments, disputing the amount to be paid, or failing to pay entirely.

Not providing work or goods of sufficient quality – this can include substituting agreed work or goods with inferior quality, or failing to ensure the work or goods are of the expected standard.

Unclear contract terms – the parties may have different opinions on the meaning of a contract, particularly if it has been poorly drafted.

Misrepresentation or fraud – where one party was influenced into entering into the contract because of misrepresentations or fraud on the part of the other.

Disputes over the ending of a contract – whether this is failure to follow the correct termination process, or a disagreement over the right to end an agreement.

How do I resolve a breach of contract?

If you are dealing with a breach of contract, you are strongly advised to speak to a solicitor. It is crucial to avoid breaching the terms of the contract yourself, or to allow a situation to continue, as this could constitute acceptance of new terms of the contract.

The best way of dealing with a breach of contract is to try to reach an agreement with the other party. If you are able to do this, the terms of any agreement should be put in writing for the avoidance of any future doubt. A solicitor will be able to draft the necessary documentation to protect your position.

If you ask us to help, we will suggest potential ways of resolving the dispute, and represent you in negotiations, alternative dispute resolution or legal action, as necessary.

Where litigation is necessary, the first step is for a solicitor to send a letter before action, notifying the party in breach that you intend to take your case to court if it is not remedied.

What evidence is needed to prove a breach of contract?

You will need clear evidence of any breach of contract, and we can work with you to ensure that your case is robust. Evidence typically needed can include:

A copy of the contract.
Communications made before the contract was entered into, where relevant.
Evidence of any breach of the contract terms, such as unpaid invoices, evidence of late delivery, photos of poor quality goods or workmanship.
Witness statements.
Expert reports, for example, if the breach of contract relates to an issue such as poor building construction.
Evidence of any losses you have suffered as a result of the breach of contract.

How long does it typically take to resolve a contract dispute?

The time taken to deal with a contract dispute can vary widely and will depend on the dispute and indeed the parties. In some cases, it may be possible to find a negotiated solution within weeks. Using alternative dispute resolution may take months, while litigation can take a year or more.

If you would like to discuss possible timeframes and how to tackle a contract dispute, feel free to call us, and we will answer your initial questions.

Can I recover legal fees if I win a contract dispute case?

In some cases, you may be able to recover your reasonable legal costs if you win your case.

In litigation or arbitration, the court will make a decision regarding fees when giving its decision. In small cases, each party may be required to pay their own fees. For larger cases, the loser is often required to pay the winner’s costs. We will advise you on the recoverability of your legal costs.

Failure to adhere to the rules of litigation, for example, not disclosing evidence on time, can affect the court’s decision when it comes to costs.

How do force majeure clauses impact contract disputes?

Force majeure clauses in contracts can excuse a party from meeting the contract terms if there is an unforeseen event that is beyond the parties’ control, such as an act of God, a natural disaster such as a flood or fire, a pandemic, terrorism, or government action. The contract clause should specify exactly what is included.

A force majeure event must directly affect a party’s ability to adhere to the terms of the contract. Disputes are common if a clause is not drafted clearly enough, and the parties do not agree on whether an incident qualifies as a force majeure event.