Contract Dispute Attorney in Gallatin, TN
Contract disputes can arise in a variety of circumstances, such as business-to-business, company-to-employee, professional services, and construction contracts. Contract disputes arise when one party fails to fulfill their promise. If you are facing a contract dispute, a Gallatin contract dispute lawyer can help.
Hire a Contract Dispute Lawyer
Phillips | Ralston can review your contract and provide legal guidance on how to proceed to remedy the dispute. Attorney John Phillips has over 46 years of experience providing legal counsel to the Gallatin community and the adjacent region in Sumner County.
An experienced lawyer can save you money and frustration. Contract disputes are not unusual, and a lawyer who has a deep understanding of the law and procedure can assist with resolving your issue while protecting your interests.
Experience You Can Trust. Speak with a Phillips | Ralston
attorney today.
How to Prepare for Dispute Resolution
Tennessee’s 95 counties are divided into 32 judicial districts. Gallatin, located in Sumner County, is part of the 18th Judicial District. A contract dispute case will be heard in the Sumner County Chancery Court located at 155 East Main Street, Gallatin, TN 37066.
In 2025, 56,420 cases were filed in the Sumner County District Court, including those involving contract disputes. If you are involved in a contract dispute case, it is prudent to hire a contract dispute lawyer who can explain the complexities of these cases and help you navigate the court system.
Navigating dispute resolution can be overwhelming, but being prepared can reduce stress and lead to favorable outcomes. You should work with your dispute attorney to:
- Understand exactly what was agreed to in the contract and the responsibilities of both parties
- Understand all of the elements involved in the dispute
- Determine what outcomes you are hoping to achieve
- Collect relevant evidence relating to the dispute
- Communicate through your attorney with the other party to determine if the dispute can be resolved without litigation
- Determine if alternate dispute resolution methods are appropriate for your situation, such as mediation or arbitration
- If litigation is unavoidable, begin developing a strategy and collecting all relevant documentation
Common Contract Disputes
Contract disputes can arise in a variety of settings when the parties involved do not agree on or interpret the terms of the contract differently. The parties may have a minor disagreement or a major conflict. Typical examples include:
- Breach of contract. This type of dispute involves one party failing to complete the activities described in the contract.
- Non-payment disputes. Confusion about the fee structure, payment terms, late payments, payment delays, refusal to pay, and partial payments can lead to disputes.
- Performance disputes. This type of dispute centers on the contract’s completed terms and often involves the quality and timeliness of completion.
- Modification disputes. Disputes can arise when changes are made to the original contract.
To avoid contract disputes, you should avoid ambiguous language and try to incorporate terms that are clear and direct. Another tip is to include as much detail as possible, especially when defining deliverables, quality, and deadlines.
All goals of the contract should be clearly defined using detailed language. As the contract develops, it is critical to double-check all elements. If the contract uses legal jargon or industry terms, clarify them to ensure understanding.
Common Types of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
A contract can include a dispute resolution clause. In disputes, this can help avoid litigation and resolve the issues through alternative dispute resolution. If both parties are informed of the specific terms of the contract, disputes are less likely to happen.
If a contract includes a dispute-resolution clause or if the parties involved want to avoid court, they can pursue ADR. Common types of ADR include:
- Arbitration uses a neutral third party to deliver a binding decision.
- Mediation uses a neutral mediator to assist parties in reaching a resolution they both agree to.
- Mini-trials allow each side to present its case to a panel of legal professionals or executives who deliver a non-binding decision.
- A negotiation involves direct communication between the two parties to reach a solution.
FAQs
What Law Does a Breach of Contract Fall Under?
In Tennessee, a breach of contract falls under contract law. Relevant laws are outlined in the Tennessee Code, specifically in Title 29 and Title 47, Chapter 7. To file a breach of contract claim, you must have a legally binding, valid contract. A breach occurs when one party fails to fulfill the duties set out in the contract. And as a result of the failure to complete the stated contractual duties, you suffered damages.
What Are the Four Stages of Contract Law?
The four stages of contract law are formation, performance, breach, and enforcement. Formation requires that both parties be capable of entering into the contract, and it must include an offer, consideration, and acceptance. Performance occurs when both parties meet the obligations they agreed to.
A breach occurs when the obligations outlined in the contract are not met. The non-breaching party may seek to enforce the contract. This can include pursuing legal remedies such as damages.
What Is a Contract Dispute?
A contract dispute occurs when the parties involved cannot agree about their rights, interpretation of the contract, or responsibilities. Disputes often arise when one party fails to perform as agreed under the contract. This is a breach of contract and may be a material breach, a minor or non-material breach, or both. A material breach is significant and means that the injured party did not get what they agreed to.
How Much Does a Contract Dispute Attorney Cost?
Contract dispute attorneys typically charge an hourly rate that will depend on their geographic location, experience, and the complexity of the dispute. Attorneys often charge a retainer fee, a deposit that covers the cost of future work. To get a clearer sense of the costs likely to be involved in your specific case, it is prudent to schedule a consultation with a respected firm.
Contact a Gallatin Contract Dispute Attorney
When you are facing a contract dispute, understanding your options can be reassuring. The team at Phillips | Ralston can review your contract, analyze the disagreement, propose solutions, and resolve the dispute. If you have questions about a contract dispute, contact the office to schedule a consultation.
