Common Contractual Disputes and How To Avoid Them
Contractual disputes can be time-consuming, stressful, and costly. Poorly drafted contracts are the primary reason and motivation for contractual disputes. However, most of these issues are avoidable with properly drawn-up contracts with the legal help of an experienced Utah contract attorney, Howard, Lewis & Petersen, P.C.
Here are essential tips to avoid common contractual disputes.
Contractual Disputes
Contract disputes usually arise when a party does not comply with a contract’s terms or perform their part of the obligations stipulated under the contract. Breaches are the most common cause, but they can also escalate when parties cannot reach a mutual agreement concerning the contract terms and their performance. The result may be a claim for a breach of contract.
Such situations are avoidable by enlisting the help of business lawyers in Utah, (like Provo lawyers). They ensure the terms of your contract are clear and enforceable and avoid disagreements.
Common Contractual Disputes
Knowing the different types of contractual disputes can help you prevent them. Some common types of contractual disputes include:
Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) Dispute
A contractual dispute can arise if the contract issuer accuses the signee of stealing, leaking, or sharing information.
Non-Compete Agreements Dispute
A contractual dispute arises when an employer accuses an employee of breaking the terms of the non-compete agreement and goes ahead to work for the employer’s competitor before the lapse of the agreed period.
Sales of Goods Contract Dispute
A contractual dispute arises when a merchant accuses and sues a supplier for failing to ship products at all, on time, or shipping products that are significantly not as described.
Partnership Dispute
A contractual dispute arises when one party in a partnership accuses the other (its partner) of failing to fulfill its requirements or otherwise breaching a partnership agreement.
How To Avoid Them
Here are tips to prevent contractual disputes:
Read and understand the terms
Advanced awareness of your rights and obligations under a contract can help you avoid the pitfalls of contract breaches. It can also help you avoid getting into a contract whose terms you do not want. This is where Utah contract attorneys like Howard, Lewis & Petersen, P.C. can help. They can review your contract and ensure that it is fair and reasonable.
Document any agreement
Trying to enforce an undocumented, partially documented, or oral agreement can hurt your chances for successful litigation. Ensure you have a written formal contract to avoid being tied into a contractual dispute with fewer chances of successful litigation.
Negotiate the contract terms
As a general rule, large contracts where parties have more obligations to perform facilitate more straightforward term negotiation compared to standard supply contracts for basic generic goods. Regardless, a Utah contract attorney can help protect your interests, especially if you notice any discrepancies.
Take note of the term length
Most people do not know how long the contract will last until it is too late and they are tied into a long-term contract. A primary clause to watch out for is automatic renewal to avoid extending your contract term beyond your intentions. Provo lawyers can review your contract and advise on potential legal issues that could arise.
Know how to terminate the contract before you sign
Termination provisions can be complex, and understanding them can help you negotiate fair contract terms and help you back out of unfair contracts.
Seek legal help from Business Lawyers in Utah
Additionally, consider seeking legal help from a contract attorney to avoid potential harm from an agreement you do not fully understand. Our business lawyers in Utah can provide legal counsel and represent your legal interests in a contractual dispute. Contact Howard, Lewis & Petersen, P.C. today to learn more.