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Fundamental Breach Solicitors Essex
A fundamental breach strikes at the heart of a contract and may give you the right to end the agreement entirely. Our dispute resolution solicitors in Essex advise on serious contractual failures, helping you assess your position and pursue the right remedy with confidence.
Has a contract been broken beyond repair?
A fundamental breach occurs when a failure goes to the very root of a contract, depriving you of what you were meant to receive. This can leave you feeling wronged and uncertain about your options. Our Dispute Resolution Team supports individuals and businesses across Essex, advising on whether a breach is fundamental and what steps you can take next.
Failure of Core Obligation
A key obligation under the contract has not been performed at all.
Loss of Contract Value
The breach has rendered the agreement effectively worthless to you.
Serious Financial Loss
You have suffered serious loss because a core promise was broken.
Breakdown of Trust
The other party’s failure undermines trust in the entire contract.
Termination and Damages
You need advice on whether you can lawfully terminate and claim damages.
Speak to our team
Fundamental Breach Services
We advise on all aspects of fundamental breach of contract, from early assessment through to dispute resolution and court proceedings where necessary.
Breach assessment
Reviewing contractual terms and conduct to determine whether a breach is fundamental.
Termination advice
Guidance on ending a contract lawfully following a fundamental breach.
Damages claims
Advising on compensation and losses arising from serious contractual failures.
Case law guidance
Applying fundamental breach of contract case law to your situation.
Negotiation and settlement
Resolving disputes through settlement where appropriate.
Court proceedings
Representation in litigation where agreement cannot be reached.
Holly Minney
Head of Dispute Resolution
Schedule a call to discuss fundamental breach options
Make an enquiry
Why choose Mullis & Peake
Fundamental breach cases require careful legal judgment. Acting too quickly, or too slowly, can affect your rights. Our Dispute Resolution Team provides measured, practical advice so you understand whether the breach is fundamental and how best to protect your interests.
Clear legal assessment
Straightforward advice on whether a breach is truly fundamental.
Strategic decision making
Support in choosing termination, damages or alternative remedies.
Litigation strength
Experienced representation if the dispute escalates to court.
Local expertise
Essex based solicitors with deep experience in contract disputes.
Frequently asked questions
A fundamental breach is a serious failure that goes to the root of the contract and deprives the innocent party of substantially the whole benefit of the agreement. It is more than a minor or technical breach and may give rise to a right to terminate the contract and claim damages. Whether a breach is fundamental depends on the contract terms and the impact of the breach. Legal advice is important before taking action, as not every serious breach will qualify.
Possibly, but only if the breach is legally considered fundamental. Terminating a contract incorrectly can expose you to claims that you have breached the agreement yourself. Before terminating, it is important to assess whether the breach is sufficiently serious and whether any contractual notice or termination provisions apply. Taking advice first helps ensure termination is lawful and protects your position.
Fundamental breach focuses on the seriousness and effect of the breach, not simply whether a contractual term has been broken. Minor or material breaches may entitle you to damages but not termination. A fundamental breach, by contrast, undermines the entire purpose of the contract. Determining where a breach falls on this spectrum often requires careful legal analysis.
Yes. Where a fundamental breach is established, damages are often available in addition to termination. Damages are intended to compensate you for losses suffered as a result of the breach. The level of compensation will depend on the contract terms and the nature of the loss. Advice is important to ensure claims are made correctly and proportionately.
Yes. Courts rely heavily on established case law when deciding whether a breach is fundamental. Judicial decisions help determine how seriousness, intention and consequences are assessed in practice. This makes legal advice particularly important, as outcomes are often influenced by how similar cases have been interpreted by the courts.
If you continue with the contract after becoming aware of a fundamental breach, you may be treated as having affirmed the contract. This can result in losing the right to terminate later. Continuing performance may still allow a damages claim, but termination rights can be affected. Early advice helps you understand the risks before deciding how to proceed.
Get in touch with our Fundamental Breach team
If you believe a contract has been fundamentally breached, early advice can protect your position. Our Dispute Resolution Team will assess the breach carefully and help you take proportionate, informed action.
Specialist fundamental breach solicitors
– Dedicated solicitors with deep experience.
Fast, confidential advice
– Clear guidance when you need it most.
No-obligation consultation
– Understand your options before you decide.
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