Home Blog Agreement Dispute: Resolving Breach of Contract Conflicts

Agreement Dispute: Resolving Breach of Contract Conflicts

This page explains what an agreement dispute is, how to resolve it, and how a vetted lawyer from ContractsCounsel can help you.

Jump to Section

An agreement dispute is a disagreement between parties. While it can include arguments over terms in a legally-binding agreement, it can also involve informal or verbal agreements. This can make it challenging to enforce in court.

It’s stressful to deal with an agreement dispute. It can be time-consuming and costly, but it doesn’t have to be. On ContractsCounsel, an online legal marketplace, you can hire a vetted, experienced lawyer to help you resolve your agreement disputes successfully.

Read the rest of this article to learn more about agreement disputes, such as what causes them, how to avoid them, and what to do if you find yourself in one.

What Causes Agreement Disputes?

Agreement disputes can be caused by many things, but there are some common culprits.

Disagreement Over Contract Terms

Parties who have previously signed the agreement might argue about its terms. They might perceive the terms’ meanings differently, which is common in contracts that are poorly drafted, such as by being too vague or filled with legal jargon.

Confusion over What Was Agreed On

If you’re not dealing with a written agreement, you might argue with the other party over what was agreed on. There could be confusion about the conversation and what was said.

Lack of Performance

If one party doesn’t meet their duties or responsibilities that were outlined in the agreement, this can cause resentment and conflict.

Resolution Disagreements

It’s common for agreements to include dispute-resolution clauses. If they are not clearly defined in the document, or the agreement was informal, it can cause confusion or disagreement over remedies.

Breach of Contract

If one party has violated the agreement’s terms or clauses, this is a breach that can cause the other party to pursue legal action. For example, if one party doesn’t fulfill their promise of payment, violating the payment schedule in the contract, the other party might send them a demand letter.

How Can You Avoid Agreement Disputes?

You can avoid getting embroiled in a messy dispute by ensuring your agreement is well drafted. On ContractsCounsel, you can hire a vetted lawyer with experience in drafting contracts that are legally sound, balanced, and specific.

One of the biggest causes of agreement disputes is vague or confusing language. This makes it easy for parties to misunderstand it or have different, conflicting, understandings of what its clauses mean.

The agreement should also include dispute-resolution clauses that will come in handy should conflicts arise. These sections should provide clear, defined processes for how to handle disagreements so that they don’t have to go to court.

Other ways to avoid agreement disputes include:

  • Getting everything in writing. Besides the agreement document, you should document all agreement changes and approvals, as well as interactions throughout the dispute-resolution process. This will help you should you need to gather evidence.
  • Get your agreement reviewed. Once you have your agreement drafted, you should get it reviewed by a lawyer if you haven’t already. They will ensure that all the clauses are clear, fair, and legally compliant. Doing this regularly will maintain the quality of your business documents.
  • Keep track of all communications. If you and the other party have agreed on things via texts or emails, saving these will help you if you contact a lawyer for dispute assistance.

How Can You Resolve Agreement Disputes?

An agreement dispute is in progress. Now what? Here are essential tips to follow so that you prevent the conflict from becoming worse while protecting your interests.

Take Time to Analyze the Issue

What’s the conflict really about? Is it that the other party is in breach of the agreement, and this is affecting you, such as with nonpayment? Or, is the agreement vague and this is causing misunderstandings?

Once you know what’s at the heart of the dispute, you can find ways to deal with it.

Communicate with the Other Party

If the dispute is about a misunderstanding - maybe you and the other party are clashing over the vague terms - you might be able to resolve it by communicating with them.

Focus on being professional and friendly so that you can both express your concerns and listen to each other.

Have a Mediation

Perhaps you and the other party can’t reach an agreement on your own. You can hire a mediator to oversee your communication and help you to reach a resolution. This strategy works well because it resolves the dispute out of court while allowing you to have control over what you agree to do to fix the issue.

Make sure you get the mediation agreement in writing so that there’s no future confusion over it.

Think About Arbitration

A more formal alternative to mediation is arbitration, which is usually recommended for high-stake situations. How it works is that you hire an arbitrator to listen to both of your cases and then they decide how it should be resolved.

Arbitration results in a binding decision that is made by a neutral third party.

Do You Need to Hire a Lawyer for Agreement Disputes?

Hiring a lawyer is usually what people do when they find themselves in litigation or the other party has sent them a demand notice. However, seeking legal counsel is worth doing for other reasons. Here is how hiring a lawyer can help.

They Can Review and Draft Agreements

This gives you peace of mind that your agreements are professional and legal. Closely checking your agreements will help you clarify your position in the dispute while avoiding future misunderstandings or conflicts.

They Give You Legal Guidance

Since they’re experts in their field, lawyers can help you figure out a path to dispute resolution. They understand the processes, while keeping the applicable laws and regulations in mind, so that you don’t miss any fine details that can get in the way of your success.

They Negotiate Terms

It’s not always easy to know how to negotiate during the dispute-resolution process. Lawyers will do this on your behalf so that you can get the best outcome. This can include presenting evidence that they’ve collected for you and arguing your case to support your stance.

They Gather Evidence

If you’re dealing with an informal agreement, your lawyer will help you collect evidence, such as in the form of texts and emails, to strengthen your position. Other evidence that can be useful includes voice messages or photos, depending on the dispute.

They Help You During Litigation

Not all disputes can be resolved outside of court. If yours is one of them, a lawyer can help you to prepare all the evidence to start litigation. This is when your lawyer files a lawsuit and represents you in court.

Key Takeaways

  • A clearly defined agreement is essential to prevent disputes from occurring.
  • Common agreement conflicts include nonpayment, disagreement over terms, and breach.
  • Hiring a lawyer to draft your agreement keeps it specific, clear, and legally enforceable.
  • Lawyers can assist you with navigating the dispute process smoothly and with the best outcomes in mind.

Are you looking to hire a lawyer for an agreement dispute?

You can contact a lawyer on ContractsCounsel, who will connect you with experienced, vetted lawyers on the platform who have years of experience in helping clients navigate a wide range of agreement disputes.


ContractsCounsel is not a law firm, and this post should not be considered and does not contain legal advice. To ensure the information and advice in this post are correct, sufficient, and appropriate for your situation, please consult a licensed attorney. Also, using or accessing ContractsCounsel's site does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and ContractsCounsel.


Need help with a dispute

Create a free project posting
Clients Rate Lawyers 4.9 Stars
based on 20,955 reviews

Meet some of our Lawyers

Albert M. on ContractsCounsel
View Albert
5.0 (7)
Member Since:
February 8, 2021

Albert M.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Woodbury, NJ
23 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NJ
Rutgers School of Law - Camden

I am a New Jersey licensed attorney and I have been in practice for over nineteen years. My practice mainly consists of representing public entities (municipalities, school boards, etc) and businesses, both small and large. In that capacity, much of work consists of drafting, reviewing and revising contracts.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Albert was accommodating and attentive to the project. Great rate."

Jose P. on ContractsCounsel
View Jose
5.0 (1)
Member Since:
February 13, 2021

Jose P.

Partner
Free Consultation
San Antonio, Dallas
26 Yrs Experience
Licensed in TX
University of Pennsylvania

I am a corporate lawyer with expertise working with small businesses, venture capital and healthcare. Previously, I worked at large law firms, as well as head attorney for companies. I graduated from Harvard College and University of Pennsylvania Law School. I speak 5 languages (Spanish, French, Italian and Russian, plus English), visited over 60 countries, and used to compete in salsa dancing!

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Was an absolute pleasure working with them. I plan on working with them a lot in the future."

Briana C. on ContractsCounsel
View Briana
5.0 (60)
Member Since:
February 15, 2021

Briana C.

Founder, Branch Legal LLC
Free Consultation
Boston, MA
14 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA, MA, NY
Columbia University School of Law

Legal services cost too much, and are often of low quality. I have devoted my law practice to providing the best work at the most affordable price—in everything from defending small businesses against patent trolls to advising multinational corporations on regulatory compliance to steering couples through a divorce.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Briana was responsive and quick to put the draft together. It has been a pleasure working with her!"

Jo Ann J. on ContractsCounsel
View Jo Ann
5.0 (7)
Member Since:
February 23, 2021

Jo Ann J.

Partner
Free Consultation
Boston, MA
30 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MA
Suffolk Universtiy Law School

Jo Ann has been practicing for over 20 years, working primarily with high growth companies from inception through exit and all points in between. She is skilled in Mergers & Acquisitions, Contractual Agreements (including founders agreements, voting agreements, licensing agreements, terms of service, privacy policies, stockholder agreements, operating agreements, equity incentive plans, employment agreements, vendor agreements and other commercial agreements), Corporate Governance and Due Diligence.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Greatly appreciate Jo Ann's responsiveness and quick turnaround. Brought an incredible amount of knowledge and experience to a project I have little experience in."

Jeremiah C. on ContractsCounsel
View Jeremiah
5.0 (68)
Member Since:
March 5, 2021

Jeremiah C.

Partner/Attorney at Law
Houston
18 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NV, TX
Thomas Jefferson

Creative, results driven business & technology executive with 27 years of experience (17+ as a business/corporate lawyer). A problem solver with a passion for business, technology, and law. I bring a thorough understanding of the intersection of the law and business needs to any endeavor, having founded multiple startups myself with successful exits. I provide professional business and legal consulting. Throughout my career I've represented a number large corporations (including some of the top Fortune 500 companies) but the vast majority of my clients these days are startups and small businesses. Having represented hundreds of successful crowdfunded startups, I'm one of the most well known attorneys for startups seeking CF funds. I hold a Juris Doctor degree with a focus on Business/Corporate Law, a Master of Business Administration degree in Entrepreneurship, A Master of Education degree and dual Bachelor of Science degrees. I look forward to working with any parties that have a need for my skill sets.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Jeremiah was pleasant to speak to and provided high quality work. I appreciate that he took the time to call me personally instead of a paralegal. Work delivered early and high quality! Highly recommend"

Benjamin W. on ContractsCounsel
View Benjamin
5.0 (32)
Member Since:
March 11, 2021

Benjamin W.

Founder
Free Consultation
Los Angeles, CA
11 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA
UCLA School of Law

I am a California-barred attorney specializing in business contracting needs. My areas of expertise include contract law, corporate formation, employment law, including independent contractor compliance, regulatory compliance and licensing, and general corporate law. I truly enjoy getting to know my clients, whether they are big businesses, small start-ups looking to launch, or individuals needing legal guidance. Some of my recent projects include: -drafting business purchase and sale agreements -drafting independent contractor agreements -creating influencer agreements -creating compliance policies and procedures for businesses in highly regulated industries -drafting service contracts -advising on CA legality of hiring gig workers including effects of Prop 22 and AB5 -forming LLCs -drafting terms of service and privacy policies -reviewing employment contracts I received my JD from UCLA School of Law and have been practicing for over five years in this area. I’m an avid reader and writer and believe those skills have served me well in my practice. I also complete continuing education courses regularly to ensure I am up-to-date on best practices for my clients. I pride myself on providing useful and accurate legal advice without complex and confusing jargon. I look forward to learning about your specific needs and helping you to accomplish your goals. Please reach out to learn more about my process and see if we are a good fit!

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Benjamin was a great communicator. He understood that I was looking to negotiate, not litigate. Very happy with the work. Hiring him for a second project now."

Don G. on ContractsCounsel
View Don
4.9 (21)
Member Since:
March 1, 2021

Don G.

Attorney at law
Free Consultation
Oklahoma City, OK
25 Yrs Experience
Licensed in TX
Texas Tech School of Law

Texas licensed attorney specializing for 22 years in Business and Contract law with a focus on construction law and business operations. My services include General Business Law Advisement; Contract Review and Drafting; Legal Research and Writing; Business Formation; Articles or Instructive Writing; and more. I am able to draft and review contracts, and have experience with, contract law and business formation in any state. For more insight into my skills and experience, please feel free to visit my LinkedIn profile or contact me with any questions.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Don is very responsive, knowledgeable, efficient and professional."

Meghan P. on ContractsCounsel
View Meghan
4.8 (6)
Member Since:
February 15, 2021

Meghan P.

Attorney
Free Consultation
San Francisco
8 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA
University of Dayton

I am a licensed attorney and a member of the California Bar. I graduated from the University of Dayton School of Law's Program in Law and Technology. I love IP, tech transfers, licensing, and how the internet and developing technology is changing the legal landscape. I've interned at both corporations and boutique firms, and I've taken extensive specialized classes in intellectual property and technology law.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Meghan was great to work with! She understood everything perfectly and delivered greatly."

Charlotte L. on ContractsCounsel
View Charlotte
4.6 (2)
Member Since:
February 25, 2021

Charlotte L.

Self-Employed Legal Consultant
Free Consultation
Arlington, VA
12 Yrs Experience
Licensed in DC, VA
University of Virginia School of Law

I hold a B.S. in Accounting and a B.A. in Philosophy from Virginia Tech (2009). I received my J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law in 2012. I am an associate member of the Virginia Bar and an active member of the DC bar. Currently, I am working as a self-employed legal consultant and attorney. Primarily my clients are start-up companies for which I perform various types of legal work, including negotiating and drafting settlement, preparing operating agreements and partnership agreements, assisting in moving companies to incorporate in new states and setting up companies to become registered in a state, assisting with employment matters, drafting non-disclosure agreements, assisting with private placement offerings, and researching issues on intellectual property, local regulations, privacy laws, corporate governance, and many other facets of the law, as the need arises. I have previously practiced as an attorney at a small DC securities law firm and worked at Deloitte Financial Advisory Services LLC. My work experience is dynamic and includes many short-term and long term experience that span across areas such as maintaining my own blog, freelance writing, and dog walking. My diverse background has provided me with a stong skill set that can be easily adapted for new areas of work and indicates my ability to quickly learn for a wide array of clients.

Adam B. on ContractsCounsel
View Adam
Member Since:
March 5, 2021

Adam B.

Managing Partner
Free Consultation
San Mateo, California
28 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA
McGeorge School of Law

With over 25 years of experience in the technology sector, I am a strategic business counsel, outsourced general counsel, and a leader of high-performing legal teams aimed to help maximize the efficiency of all stakeholders. I recently joined the renewable energy space with the addition of a new client on its way to becoming the first Chinese battery company to build a battery manufacturing presence in the US beginning with a 1+ GWh cell and pack plant, and a domestic anode and cathode plant. In my most recent full-time role, I served as the Sr. Director and Assistant General Counsel at SMART Global Holdings, where I served as the general counsel for the HPC and AI division of this publicly traded holding company, comprised of four companies, before becoming the global head of the commercial legal function across all portfolio companies, including two multinational industry leaders. During much of my career, I provided outside legal services on a recurring basis for several years advising several high growth start-ups and venture firms as well as house hold names, and also led one of the country's fastest growing infrastructure resellers and managed services providers. My core competencies include contract review, commercial negotiation, legal operations, information security, privacy, supply chain and procurement, alliances and channel sales, HR, and general corporate. I am passionate about leveraging my legal skills to achieve business solutions, supporting innovation and growth in the technology sector, and helping maximize the commercial flow and efficiency at growing companies. I hold an undergraduate business degree, a JD, a MSBA Taxation, and certifications from the California Bar Association, Six Sigma, and ISM.

Ema T. on ContractsCounsel
View Ema
Member Since:
March 12, 2021

Ema T.

Contract and IP Attorney
Free Consultation
New York, NY
8 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY
Chicago Kent

I am a NY licensed attorney experienced in business contracts, agreements, waivers and more, corporate law, and trademark registration. My office is a sole member Law firm therefore, I Take pride in giving every client my direct attention and focus. I focus on getting the job done fast while maintaining high standards.

Find the best lawyer for your project

Browse Lawyers Now

Quick, user friendly and one of the better ways I've come across to get ahold of lawyers willing to take new clients.

View Trustpilot Review

Need help with a dispute

Create a free project posting
Clients Rate Lawyers 4.9 Stars
based on 20,955 reviews
CONTRACT LAWYERS BY TOP CITIES
See All Litigation Lawyers
AGREEMENT DISPUTE LAWYERS BY CITY
See All Agreement Dispute Lawyers

Contracts Counsel was incredibly helpful and easy to use. I submitted a project for a lawyer's help within a day I had received over 6 proposals from qualified lawyers. I submitted a bid that works best for my business and we went forward with the project.

View Trustpilot Review

I never knew how difficult it was to obtain representation or a lawyer, and ContractsCounsel was EXACTLY the type of service I was hoping for when I was in a pinch. Working with their service was efficient, effective and made me feel in control. Thank you so much and should I ever need attorney services down the road, I'll certainly be a repeat customer.

View Trustpilot Review

I got 5 bids within 24h of posting my project. I choose the person who provided the most detailed and relevant intro letter, highlighting their experience relevant to my project. I am very satisfied with the outcome and quality of the two agreements that were produced, they actually far exceed my expectations.

View Trustpilot Review

Need help with a dispute

Create a free project posting
Clients Rate Lawyers 4.9 Stars
based on 20,955 reviews

Want to speak to someone?

Get in touch below and we will schedule a time to connect!

Request a call

Find lawyers and attorneys by city