When contracts go wrong, it can feel stressful. Whether someone has failed to deliver goods, missed a deadline, or not paid for services you provided, acting early is your best defence.
At BTMK Solicitors you will find clear, practical help designed to protect your position and resolve matters sensibly.
We know how contract law is always evolving and that courts are always making decisions that change the way that certain clauses are to be interpreted, especially in the world of digital communications and a myriad of communication mechanisms such as WhatsApp, social media messaging and AI produced evidence. We’ll give you up-to-date, clear and concise advice from the very outset. Our specialist team gets quick results where necessary and can seek alternative dispute resolution channels that save you time and money.
BTMK Solicitors, has also been recognised as a top 250 law firm in The Times’ Best Law Firms Report 2025, for their high-quality legal services.
It’s the second year in a row and the report specifically references BTMK’s litigation & dispute resolution team which specialises in commercial and contract disputes, inheritance, wills and probate disputes, insolvency & employment law, as well as personal injury and clinical negligence work.
English law allows that a contract can still exist, even if there is no formally written document. Disputes often stem from unclear expectations, informal agreements that are not well documented, or misunderstandings. It is not uncommon for people to assume the best but then feel let down when things go wrong, for example:
Start by reviewing the contract carefully. You need to know exactly what was agreed, including any amendments or follow-up letters. Double check whether the contract includes a dispute resolution clause or a specific process you must follow before taking action. That could influence how you proceed.
Next, if a breach has occurred, notify the other party clearly and formally. Let them know what is wrong, how it affects you, and what you expect by way of resolution. If your contract sets a deadline for notice, make sure you meet it.
At this early stage, seeking legal advice can help you frame your claim properly and avoid mistakes that could unsettle your case later.
Alternative Dispute Resolution clauses are often built into the contract itself.
You may be able to negotiate, mediate or use any dispute-resolution process set out in the contract. If your contract allows for arbitration or expert determination, it may offer a more tailored and private way to resolve the issue.
We’ll help you decide if you can avoid that mechanism or how you can enforce it if it’s in your interests. If you own a small business, or you’ve managed to get into a dispute over land, property or money, ADR can preserve relationships and keep costs manageable.
If your contract includes an ADR clause, we can help you carefully assess whether to enforce it. A well-drafted clause can keep disputes out of court. Courts may even stay litigation if parties have not followed a mandatory ADR step.
If you cannot reach agreement through negotiation or mediation, and you are proceeding to court, you will need to follow the Pre-Action Protocols under the Civil Procedure Rules. The team at BTMK can help you meet the protocols that require you to exchange information, set out your claim in full, and demonstrate that you attempted to resolve the matter before going to court.
If the claim is modest in value (usually under £10,000), you might be directed to the small claims court. This is a simpler, faster court route with reduced costs, though you will usually not recover your legal fees even if you win.
Acting quickly not only helps you preserve evidence and strengthen your position, but it may also encourage a faster resolution, before things escalate into a prolonged, dispute with court proceedings. If you delay, you could miss key deadlines, make your evidence less compelling, or harm your negotiating position.
At BTMK Solicitors you will find a thoughtful and efficient approach to resolving contract disputes. We start by helping you understand your contract, advising whether mediation or negotiation is appropriate, and guiding you through any pre-action obligations.
If it comes to formal proceedings, we support you at every stage, from filing claims to navigating the small claims court or County Court process. We make sure you feel informed, confident and in control, while we handle the technical side.
If you are facing a contract dispute, get in touch with the specialist personal litigation team at BTMK Solicitors today. With us you get a clear path that protects your interests with common-sense legal advice.
