I am really concerned that a contract that I entered into will not be honoured by the other party involved. The professional relationship has broken down irrevocably and they are sending me emails encouraging me to enter into activities that would put me in breach of the contract and saying that they are happy for me to do so (I have not as yet). I have requested an amended contract to confirm this formally but they are ignoring my requests.
I wondered if I am jumping the gun or if this would be a good time to seek legal advice? I don't want to antagonise the other person but with over £10k of my money riding on this contract I am more than a little nervous. At the same time I don't want to spend hundreds of pounds to sit in a solicitors office to be told I'm being paranoid.
Does anyone know if there is a legal helpline available to allow me to discuss the finer details of the situation and get solid advice on where I stand? Is there an Accoutingweb for Solicitors? Sorry this is slightly off topic (although it is related to my business as an accountant) and for obvious reasons I cannot go into specific details.
Many thanks in advance for any advice offered.
Sarah
Replies (13)
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Not sure why you expect to get the advice you need or free. Would you provide accountancy advice on a pro bono basis?
If you have a legal problem you need to get proper legal advice.
Ask for an initial meeting
Most solicitors will offer a free initial consultation.
I agree with Bernard. You are at the first stage of wondering if you need to take legal action, which is an ideal topic for an initial consultation. Don't ply the solicitor with documentary evidence - just explain in a little more detail than you have told us and he should be able to tell you quickly what your legal position is in general terms.
It's just that your preference seemed to be legal helplines rather than taking advice direct from a suitably experienced solicitor.
If you can share where you are based I or someone else may be able to recommend a good solicitor. Most solicitors will offer a brief initial advice meeting free of charge.
Insurance policy
Do you have any insurance product that has legal advice already included in it, either personal or business?
Most household insurance covers legal fees. Have you checked yours to see if it covers this situation??
PI
You business insurance or PI will have a helpline. Failing that you can get good advice from a no win no fee solicitor who would specialise in breach of contract ?
Free legal helpline for ICAEW members
If you are a member of ICAEW, there is a free legal helpline.
You can find details on ICAEW website
0845 567 6003
What about other insurance
If you were in practice have you got run off insurance that may come with legal advice?
Personally, if I had emails (therefore written evidence) that said it was OK for me to do something, then I would go ahead. Though of course a revised contract should be provided if it has been promised.
Is it just a revised contract you are looking for, or is there more to it? Could you pay for a solicitor to draw up the revised contract if you are concerned?
I think you will have to pay for the type of advice you are looking for.