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Chester · North Wales · Central England

Contractual
Disputes

Disputes arising from breached contracts, unpaid invoices, failed services, or unclear terms are among the most common legal problems faced by individuals and businesses. We advise on your rights and the most effective route to resolution.

SRA Regulated
Costs Explained Upfront
Same-Day Response
Chester · North Wales · Midlands

No obligation — talk through your options first · Payment arrangements available

What We Handle

Common contractual disputes

A contract is a legally binding agreement. When one party fails to fulfil their obligations — whether through non-payment, non-performance, or breach of terms — the other party has legal remedies available.

We advise individuals and businesses on contractual disputes of all sizes, from straightforward unpaid invoices to complex multi-party commercial agreements. We focus on achieving the best outcome as efficiently as possible.

Unpaid invoices and debt

Recovering money owed under a contract — whether through negotiation, formal demand, or court proceedings.

Breach of contract

Where the other party has failed to perform their obligations under the contract — advising on your rights and remedies.

Failed or defective services

Where services were not delivered as promised, were defective, or fell below the required standard.

Disputed contract terms

Where the meaning or scope of contract terms is in dispute — advising on interpretation and enforceability.

Termination disputes

Disputes arising from the termination of a contract — whether the termination was valid, and what compensation may be due.

Misrepresentation claims

Where you entered a contract based on false or misleading information provided by the other party.

Indicative Fees

What does resolving a contract dispute cost?

Costs depend on the value and complexity of the dispute and the route taken. The table below gives indicative ranges for each stage.

StageIndicative Fee
Initial advice & case assessment£300 – £600 + VAT
Letter before action (pre-action correspondence)£600 – £1,200 + VAT
Negotiation and settlement£600 – £2,400 + VAT
County Court claim (up to £10,000)£1,800 – £3,600 + VAT
County Court claim (£10,000 – £100,000)£3,600 – £9,600 + VAT

We do not ordinarily offer no-win, no-fee for contractual disputes. All fees are exclusive of VAT (20%). Court fees are additional disbursements. We will provide a written cost estimate before any work begins. Payment arrangements are available — please ask.

Routes to Resolution

How we resolve contractual disputes

The right approach depends on the value of the dispute, the urgency, and the relationship between the parties. We advise on the most proportionate and cost-effective route.

Negotiation and correspondence

In many cases, a well-drafted letter from a solicitor is enough to prompt payment or resolution. We handle pre-action correspondence on your behalf.

Mediation

A neutral mediator helps both parties reach a mutually acceptable resolution without court proceedings — faster and cheaper than litigation.

Court proceedings

Where other routes have failed, we issue and manage court proceedings — from the County Court for smaller claims to the High Court for complex disputes.

Time limits apply to contract claims

Most contractual claims must be brought within 6 years of the breach (or 12 years for contracts under deed). If you are concerned about a contractual dispute, seek advice promptly — delay can affect your ability to claim.

Your Contract Disputes Solicitor

Alex Bailey, Contract Disputes Solicitor at PDA Law Chester

Alex Bailey

Solicitor — Commercial Litigation & Employment Law

Alex qualified in 2007 and has extensive experience advising on contractual disputes across the North West, North Wales, and Central England. He will advise on your rights and the most effective route to resolution.

FAQs

Common questions about contractual disputes

How much does it cost to pursue a contractual dispute?
Costs depend on the value and complexity of the dispute and the route taken. A letter before action typically costs £600 – £1,200 + VAT. County Court proceedings for claims up to £10,000 typically cost £1,800 – £3,600 + VAT. We will provide a written cost estimate before any work begins. Payment arrangements are available — please ask.
Do you offer no-win, no-fee for contract disputes?
We do not ordinarily offer no-win, no-fee for contractual disputes or litigation. We provide clear cost estimates before any work begins and are happy to discuss payment arrangements in appropriate cases.
What is the time limit for a contract claim?
Most contractual claims must be brought within 6 years of the breach (or 12 years for contracts under deed). If you are concerned about a contractual dispute, seek advice promptly — delay can affect your ability to claim.
Do you advise clients in North Wales and the Midlands?
Yes. We act for clients across North Wales (Wrexham, Flintshire, Deeside, Denbighshire) and Central England (Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Nottingham, Leicester). The majority of our work is conducted remotely — no office visit is required.
Can I recover my legal costs if I win a contract dispute?
In court proceedings, the general rule is that the losing party pays the winning party's costs — but this is not automatic and the court has discretion. In small claims (under £10,000), costs recovery is very limited. We will advise you on the realistic prospects of cost recovery in your specific case.

Dealing with a contractual dispute?

Speak to a dispute resolution solicitor today. We will advise on your rights and the most effective route to resolution.

No obligation — talk through your options first.

SRA Regulated
Costs Explained Upfront
Same-Day Response
Chester & England/Wales
Experienced dispute solicitors
Honest assessment of your position
All enquiries strictly confidential

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