Contracts are usually either commercial or consumer in nature. Commercial contracts are those drawn up between two businesses.
Consumer contracts usually constitute the sale or hire of goods or purchase of services by a consumer from a business. Disputes can often arise due to the construction of the contract, interpretation of the contract terms, or disagreement as to whose terms apply.
The solicitors in the Contract Dispute Resolution department at Clifton Ingram have wide-ranging and in-depth experience with contractual disputes and are well placed to assist you with any issues you may have.
Consumer contracts are more tightly regulated in order to protect consumers. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 replaced and consolidated a lot of pre-existing legislation pertaining to consumer contracts.
It implies terms and bestows rights into consumer contracts, many of which cannot be 'opted-out' of. These include examples such as goods must be of "satisfactory quality", goods must be fit for a particular purpose, goods must be as described, services must be carried out with reasonable care and skill, services must be carried out within a reasonable time and services must be completed for a reasonable price (where no price is specified in the contract).
If a business breaches these statutory terms, there are a number of legal remedies open to the consumer, including enforcement of the contract, the right to reject the goods and rescind the contract, and the right to repair or replacement of the goods.
Why trust Clifton Ingram for contract dispute law?
As one of the leading firms of solicitors in the Thames Valley and M3 Corridor, Clifton Ingram serves both individuals and business clients from our offices in Farnham, Reading and Wokingham and focusing on our client’s individual needs, our aim is to provide practical solutions and proactive contract dispute advice.
We asked our clients what they wanted from a law firm; and they said they want clear and pragmatic legal advice, tailored to their needs, which will help them achieve their objectives – so that is what we deliver.
Our contractual disputes service includes:
- Supply agreements
- Agency agreements
- Warranty and indemnity claims
- Consultancy agreements
Contact our Contract Disputes Solicitors in our Farnham, Reading, Wokingham, Thames Valley offices
We act in all types of contractual claims, including those relating to the construction and engineering industry, commercial contract disputes, sale of goods and provision of services. We are a highly experienced, proactive and down-to-earth team of contract dispute solicitors, bringing a high quality and professional service to your local area.
We regularly advise clients across the South East, including Berkshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey, Wiltshire and London. Speak to one of our team today for contract dispute help on 0118 978 0099. Our solicitors will move fast to find a solution personal to you.
Learn more about contract disputes:
- What is a contract dispute?
- What are the common causes of contractual disputes?
- How to resolve contract disputes?
- Can I resolve a contractual dispute without going to court?
- How long does it take to resolve a contractual dispute?
- What evidence do I need to gather for my contractual dispute case?
- Can I recover damages or compensation if I win a contractual dispute case?
What is a contract dispute?
A contract dispute is a disagreement or conflict that arises between parties involved in a contractual agreement. It typically occurs when one party fails to fulfil their obligations as outlined in the contract, leading to a breach of contract.
What are the common causes of contractual disputes?
Common causes of contractual disputes include issues such as non-payment or late payment, failure to deliver goods or services as agreed, disputes over contract interpretation or terms, inadequate performance, breaches of confidentiality, and disagreements regarding intellectual property rights.
How to resolve contract disputes?
To resolve contract disputes, parties can engage in negotiation, mediation, or arbitration. Negotiation involves direct communication between the parties to reach a mutually acceptable solution. Contract dispute mediation involves a neutral third party assisting in the contract dispute resolution process. Arbitration is a more formal process where an arbitrator or panel makes a binding decision based on the evidence presented.
Can I resolve a contractual dispute without going to court?
It is possible to resolve a contractual dispute without going to court. Contract dispute resolution methods like negotiation, mediation, and arbitration provide avenues for resolving disputes outside of the court system. These methods can be quicker, more cost-effective, and less adversarial than going to court.
How long does it take to resolve a contractual dispute?
The time it takes to resolve a contractual dispute varies depending on various factors, including the complexity of the case, the willingness of the parties to cooperate, the chosen contract dispute resolution procedure, and court availability. It can range from a few weeks for simple cases resolved through negotiation or mediation, to several months or even years for more complex cases that go to court.
What evidence do I need to gather for my contractual dispute case?
To strengthen your contractual dispute case, you should gather relevant evidence such as the contract itself, any amendments or correspondence, most notably emails, related to the contract, invoices, receipts, delivery records, memorandums, telephone attendance notes, witness statements, and any other documentation that supports your claim or defence. Additionally, it's important to document any conversations, agreements, or actions related to the dispute.
Can I recover damages or compensation if I win a contractual dispute case?
If you win a contractual dispute case, you may be entitled to recover damages or compensation. The specific amount will depend on the circumstances of the case, including the losses suffered as a result of the breach of contract. It's important to consult with legal professionals to assess the potential for recovering damages or compensation based on the specific details of your case.
Our contract dispute fees
Clifton Ingram has always been, and will always be, transparent regarding our charges and provide upfront fee estimates.
Because no two contact dispute cases are the same, it is very hard to provide a single figure that applies to all, so where a fixed total is not appropriate, we will provide an average or range of costs and an explanation of the basis for our charges.
If you would like a more accurate quotation please contact our Employment, or Dispute Resolution and Litigation teams who will give you a no obligation quotation based on your specific set of circumstances.
Contact our Contract Disputes Solicitors in our Farnham, Reading, Wokingham, Thames Valley offices