CIVIL DISPUTES
Clear legal advice and representation for individuals and businesses involved in contractual, consumer and other civil disputes.
A civil dispute can arise where parties disagree about a contract, payment, goods or services, or another legal obligation.
Rahim Ahmed Solicitors advises claimants and defendants in selected civil disputes. We can assist with pre-action correspondence and negotiations and, where appropriate, County Court proceedings.
Fixed fee arrangements may be available for certain civil dispute services. Further information is available on our Fees and Transparency page.
HOW WE CAN HELP
Civil disputes can arise in many different circumstances and may involve questions about contractual obligations, payments, goods or services and other legal rights.
We can consider the documents, correspondence and available evidence, advise you on the legal and practical options and, where appropriate, assist with negotiation or court proceedings.
BREACH OF CONTRACT DISPUTES
Advice and representation concerning alleged breaches of contractual agreements, including claims where a party has failed to perform an agreed obligation.
CONSUMER DISPUTES
Advice concerning disputes about goods or services, including defective work, services not provided as agreed, refunds and other consumer claims.
MONEY AND PAYMENT DISPUTES
Advice and representation concerning contested claims for payment where liability, the amount claimed or the legal basis of the claim is disputed.
DEFENDING CIVIL CLAIMS
Advice and representation for individuals and businesses responding to letters of claim or defending civil court proceedings.
COUNTY COURT CLAIMS AND APPLICATIONS
Advice and representation concerning appropriate County Court proceedings and applications arising during the course of a civil claim.
NEGOTIATION AND SETTLEMENT
Advice and representation concerning pre-action correspondence, negotiation and settlement of civil disputes where an agreement may be achievable without a final court hearing.
BREACH OF CONTRACT AND PAYMENT DISPUTES
Contract disputes can arise where the parties disagree about what was agreed, whether an obligation has been performed or whether money is due.
We can review the relevant contract, terms and conditions, correspondence, invoices and other available evidence and advise on the legal and practical options.
We can assist with claims concerning alleged breaches of contract and contested payment disputes, whether you are seeking payment or responding to a claim made against you.
Where appropriate, we can assist with pre-action correspondence, negotiation and court proceedings.
CONSUMER DISPUTES
Disputes can arise where goods or services have not been supplied as expected or where there is disagreement about the quality of goods, work or services provided.
We can advise consumers concerning disputes involving defective goods, defective or incomplete work, services not provided as agreed, refunds and other contractual or consumer issues.
We can review the agreement, receipts, invoices, correspondence, photographs and other available evidence before advising on the options available.
Where the dispute cannot be resolved by correspondence or negotiation, court proceedings may be appropriate.
DEFENDING CIVIL CLAIMS
Receiving a letter of claim or court proceedings does not necessarily mean that the claim against you is established.
We can review the allegations, the available documents and evidence and advise you on the appropriate response.
Where court proceedings have been issued, it is important to deal with the claim promptly and comply with the applicable procedural requirements and deadlines.
We can advise and represent individuals and businesses defending appropriate civil claims and, where relevant, advise on any counterclaim which may arise from the dispute.
COUNTY COURT CLAIMS AND APPLICATIONS
Where a civil dispute cannot be resolved, it may be necessary to commence or defend County Court proceedings.
We can assist with the preparation and conduct of appropriate civil claims, including statements of case, evidence and applications arising during proceedings.
We can also advise where a default judgment has been entered and an application to set aside or vary that judgment is being considered.
The appropriate procedure will depend upon the circumstances of the case, the issues in dispute and the orders already made by the court.
NEGOTIATION AND SETTLEMENT
Court proceedings are not always necessary to resolve a civil dispute.
We can assist with pre-action correspondence, negotiations and settlement discussions with the aim of resolving a dispute where an appropriate agreement can be reached.
Depending on the circumstances, other forms of dispute resolution may also be appropriate.
Where proceedings have already commenced, settlement can still be considered and, where appropriate, the agreed terms can be formally recorded.
HOW A CIVIL DISPUTE WORKS
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INITIAL ASSESSMENT
PRE-ACTION CORRESPONDENCE
NEGOTIATION AND PREPARATION
COURT PROCEEDINGS WHERE REQUIRED
We discuss the circumstances of the dispute, review the available documents and evidence and advise you on the legal and practical options available.
Where appropriate, we prepare or respond to correspondence setting out the issues in dispute and the position of the parties.
We consider whether the dispute may be resolved by agreement. Where proceedings are required, we prepare the necessary documents and evidence.
Where court proceedings are necessary, we can advise and represent you throughout the relevant process and concerning enforcement where appropriate.
FEES
We offer fixed fees for certain defined civil dispute services. Other work may be charged on an hourly basis depending upon the nature and scope of the work required.
The appropriate charging arrangement will depend upon the circumstances, complexity and stage of the dispute.
Before you instruct us, we will explain the work we are being asked to undertake and the basis upon which you will be charged.
Further information about our charging arrangements is available on our Fees and Transparency page.
WHY CHOOSE RAHIM AHMED SOLICITORS?
Civil disputes can involve important financial, contractual and practical issues for individuals and businesses.
Our aim is to provide clear and practical legal advice, explain the options available and keep you informed as your matter progresses.
Rahim Ahmed Solicitors is based in Manchester and acts for clients across England and Wales.