Breach of Contract
Contracts set out what each party agreed to do. When one side believes the other did not keep its promises, a breach of contract dispute can follow. WML Legal Group represents businesses on either side of these disputes.
What Breach of Contract Covers
A breach of contract dispute generally asks whether a party failed to do what the contract required, and what follows from that. Issues can include missed payments, incomplete or late performance, work that does not meet agreed terms, or a contract that one side ended in a way the other disputes.
The wording of the contract, any amendments, and how the parties actually behaved all matter. Every dispute depends on its facts and its contract, so a careful review of the documents comes first.
Typical Situations
The firm handles matters such as the following. The list is general and not complete.
- Non-payment or partial payment under a contract
- Services or goods not delivered as agreed
- Disputes over the meaning of contract terms
- Disputes over warranties and quality commitments
- Termination disputes and claims of wrongful termination
- Disputes under supply, vendor and service agreements
How These Disputes Are Resolved
A dispute can move along more than one path, and some contracts require a particular one, such as arbitration. The firm explains the options that apply to the specific contract and facts.
| Path | What it generally involves |
|---|---|
| Negotiation | The parties, usually through counsel, discuss the dispute directly and try to agree on terms. |
| Mediation | A neutral mediator helps the parties explore a voluntary agreement. The mediator does not decide the dispute. |
| Arbitration | A private arbitrator or panel hears the dispute and issues a decision, often because the contract calls for it. |
| Litigation in court | The dispute is filed in court and proceeds under the court's rules, through motions, discovery and, if needed, trial. |
Questions About Breach of Contract
General information only, not legal advice.
What counts as a breach of contract?
In general, a breach occurs when a party does not do what the contract requires, or does it late or in a way that does not match the agreed terms. Whether a breach occurred depends on the contract language and the facts.
Can a verbal agreement be the subject of a dispute?
Disputes can involve written agreements, verbal agreements or a mix of both. How such an agreement is treated depends on the circumstances, so it is worth gathering any records that show what was agreed.
Should I stop performing my side of the contract?
That depends on the contract and the facts, and it is a question to discuss with a lawyer before acting. This website cannot answer it for your situation.
To discuss a breach of contract matter, use the consultation request form on this page. The firm will contact you by email to confirm a date and time.