The Role of Written Contracts in Avoiding Legal Disputes

Settling a lawsuit can sometimes take years. The process to finally present your case before a magistrate or judge is a long, involved and expensive procedure involving reams of paperwork to-ing and fro-ing between the lawyers. Determining who owes whom what becomes a lot easier if you have good record keeping. If you are involved in litigation (or court action) against another person, it is critical that you keep records of all documents and communications (including emails and SMS’s), complaints, legal notices, written contracts, valuations, and so forth. Keeping all documentation and making a record of all communications can be invaluable to your attorney when refuting your opponent’s claims. Various issues need to be considered during litigation, such as calculating the amount payable, any interest charges, and whether any settlement that is negotiated will cover legal costs and collection commission. If you are the plaintiff suing someone who owes you money, you may even be able to negotiate legal fees with your attorney, whereby your attorney will take his/her fee from the successful settlement of your claim – but only if you’ve got the written evidence that your case is a winnable one. If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of having to sue someone for payment, you will find the entire process so much simpler, quicker and easier on the wallet if you have all your evidence available, including your written and signed contract with the customer or business colleague who owes you money, as well as any invoices, letters of demand, financial records and other documents and information relating to the claim. In short, your lawsuit can be far easier and quicker if you have written contracts in place. Contracts can be used to prove the agreed goods or services being supplied, the fees involved, the payment terms, the penalty interest, and the scale of costs that the defendant would be required to pay, in addition to any damages claims. Do you need a contract? You can get your written contracts online! Browse the wide variety of legal templates and standard agreements that we have available here on Agreements Online. Or you can get your written contracts custom-drafted.  

Please note that this information is supplied for general information and does not constitute legal advice. It is advisable for you to contact a legal practitioner for guidance in respect of your unique requirements.