LOUIS & CHARLES
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Civil Litigation & Commercial Disputes

Suing is not the only way to resolve a civil or commercial dispute. A party may first need to clarify the contract, preserve evidence, check limitation periods and send a formal demand, then weigh negotiation, mediation, a payment order, provisional attachment, litigation and enforcement against cost and likely recovery. We act for individuals and businesses, analysing the legal relationship, evidence, amount, limitation and the other side's ability to pay before agreeing a sequence of steps.

When we can help

What we do

How we work

  1. 1. Taking stock: Organize the contract, correspondence, payments, deliveries, photographs and other evidence.
  2. 2. Legal analysis: Confirm the claims and defences, the burden of proof, limitation periods and the competent court.
  3. 3. Choosing a strategy: Compare negotiation, formal letters, mediation, payment orders, interim measures and litigation.
  4. 4. Carrying it out: Within the scope of engagement, send letters, negotiate, apply for interim measures, file or defend an action.
  5. 5. Realizing the right: After a settlement, mediation or judgment, assess performance and compulsory enforcement.

Frequently asked questions

Someone owes me money and will not pay. Should I send a legal attest letter first or sue straight away?

It depends on the evidence of the debt, whether it has fallen due, limitation periods, the other side's attitude and their assets. A legal attest letter states the demand and leaves proof of notice, but it is no substitute for court proceedings. If there is a risk of assets being dissipated, or the limitation period is about to expire, interim measures or litigation may have to be taken more quickly.

I only have chat messages and no formal contract. Can I sue?

Possibly. A contract does not always have to be in writing, and messages, remittances, invoices, delivery records, witnesses and the parties' later conduct can all serve as evidence. Keep the full conversation and the original device, rather than scattered screenshots.

How long does civil litigation usually take?

Timing is affected by the complexity of the case, the evidence, expert appraisals, service of documents, the court's schedule and whether there is an appeal, and cannot be generalized. After understanding the case, a lawyer can explain the procedural stages and the possible variables, but should not guarantee a particular end date.

If I win, will the other side definitely pay?

Not necessarily. A judgment confirms the right, but actual recovery depends on whether the other side performs voluntarily and whether there are assets against which to enforce. Leads on assets, the need for interim measures and the cost of enforcement should therefore be assessed at the very start.

What is provisional attachment?

Provisional attachment is a preservation procedure applied for before a final judgment on a monetary claim is obtained, to prevent the debtor from later having no assets to enforce against. The court examines the claim and the grounds for preservation, and may order the applicant to provide security. Whether it is suitable depends on the evidence and an assessment of the risk.

If you are facing one of the issues above, it helps to gather the relevant notices, contracts, correspondence, a timeline of events and the outcome you hope for before contacting us to arrange a consultation. Once we understand the basic facts and have completed a conflict-of-interest check, we will explain how we can help, the scope of engagement and our fees. The outcome of any matter depends on its specific facts, the evidence, the applicable law and the decision of the competent authority or court.

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