The first question in a commercial dispute is often where to take it. Before picking a court, arbitration or a negotiated route, give counsel a dated account of what was agreed and what happened.
1. Gather the agreed terms
Keep signed contracts, amendments, purchase orders, schedules and any incorporated terms. Preserve original files as well as copies.
2. Document performance
Collect delivery records, invoices, payments, approvals, meeting notes and the work actually supplied or received.
3. Preserve communications
Save relevant email, messages and notices with dates and attachments. Do not edit originals; note who sent and received each item.
4. Build a dated timeline
Record the obligation, the alleged breach, when it happened, what was communicated and the financial or operational effect. Mark facts that remain disputed.
5. Review the dispute clause with counsel
Bring any clause on governing law, court, arbitration, notice, negotiation or mediation. A lawyer can check its effect and any deadlines against current law and the facts.
6. Prepare questions about cost and next steps
Ask about evidence gaps, possible routes, fees and timing. Estimates are not guarantees; do not miss an urgent notice or deadline while organizing the file.
A Kuwait-qualified lawyer should review the contract and current procedural rules before any claim or settlement decision.
If delivery timing is contested, keep the purchase order, receipt, change request and invoice together. Separate agreed facts from allegations rather than editing everything into one side’s story.
Legal and language review required before relying on this article. It is general preparation, not advice for a particular matter.