Involved In A Contract Dispute?
Count On Us For Powerful And Effective Representation.
If your business is currently involved in a contract dispute, you may be hesitant to take legal action due to the time and money that may be lost in litigation. Our business law attorneys at Saavedra-Goodwin are mindful of these concerns, and they will work to resolve your dispute in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Our legal team includes a certified mediator, and most of our lawyers are highly experienced in both negotiation and courtroom litigation. In other words, we are ready for whatever your legal dispute requires.
Common Issues And Allegations In Litigated Contract Disputes
The attorneys at our firm are ready to represent your interests in matters related to:
- Purchase and sales contract disputes (products not delivered, products significantly not as described, etc.)
- Commercial lease disputes between businesses and commercial landlords
- Breach of contract, including general material breaches
- Violations of nondisclosure agreements
- Alleged business fraud
- Disagreements over unclear contract language and ambiguous obligations
- Offer and acceptance disputes
Before your dispute can be resolved, it is important to ask: What does success look like? In other words, what are you hoping to achieve? Monetary damages are a common remedy, but you may also (or alternatively) be seeking to enforce the contract terms, clarify obligations, terminate the contract or sever the business relationship. We will take the time to discuss your goals and determine the best strategy for achieving them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Contract Disputes
Knowing how to handle contract disputes is what our attorneys do best. At Saavedra-Goodwin, we have handled hundreds of contract disputes, and we find that many of our clients have similar questions. Here are a few questions we hear the most:
Litigation is not always the first or best solution, especially if the parties involved hope to continue their business relationship. Renegotiation is one alternative. A party that expects to breach a contract due to unavoidable circumstances might find the other party is willing to renegotiate the contract to terms the first party can handle.
On the other hand, a party that suspects the breaching party could have performed but chose not to could demand performance. This typically involves sending the breaching party a letter notifying them specifically how they are in breach and demanding they perform according to the contract’s terms. A demand backed by the threat of litigation is often enough to get the breaching party to comply or offer a reasonable compromise.
Check out some tips on how to respond to a breach of contract ➧
Contracts can do more than establish the relationship between parties. Businesses can anticipate issues by adding dispute-resolution clauses to their contracts. A dispute-resolution clause allows for the opportunity for a third party to investigate a conflict while the other parties continue to meet their contractual obligations. This clause may also require parties to engage in mediation and/or arbitration as an alternative dispute resolution.
Many contracts that include dispute-resolution clauses stipulate that mediation should be the first step in resolving a conflict. In mediation, a neutral third party leads a discussion to help parties come to realize the cause of a dispute and how to resolve it mutually.
Alternatively, a dispute-resolution clause may call for arbitration. Arbitration uses a neutral third party to decide how a conflict is resolved after listening to each disputant. The decision is binding and often cannot be appealed.
Litigation is often the most well-known form of resolution for contract disputes. A solution to a dispute is made by a judge or jury after the disputants present relevant evidence. The litigation process is often time-consuming and expensive. The final decision by the judge or jury may also disrupt the future relationship between parties.
When it comes to a small misunderstanding, many businesses prefer mediation. A third party gathers information from disputers and helps guide a conversation so that a beneficial resolution is reached together. A third-party neutral can also act like a judge in arbitration and create a binding resolution.
Mediation and arbitration are often preferred over litigation because they can strengthen and prolong business relationships. Knowing what kind of resolution a contract dispute calls for can require help from one of our contract dispute attorneys at Saavedra-Goodwin.
We Offer A Complete Legal Toolkit
If you are concerned about the costs and stress associated with taking the dispute to trial, chances are good that the other party shares those concerns. Our attorneys are strong proponents of utilizing alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods like mediation or arbitration whenever possible. Attorney Glen Lindsay has earned a reputation for his effectiveness as both a mediator and an arbitrator.
In cases where ADR is simply not possible (if the other party refuses to participate), we are fully prepared to take your dispute to trial. Our lawyers have a strong track record of courtroom success, and they have long been a trusted legal resource for business owners throughout South Florida.
Discuss Your Legal Needs With An Attorney
To learn more about how Saavedra-Goodwin can help you resolve your business contract dispute, contact our Fort Lauderdale office to schedule an initial consultation. You can reach out online or call (954) 767-6333.
Damaso Saavedra
Mr. Saavedra is the managing partner of the firm, which he established in 1988. Born in Havana, Cuba, Mr. Saavedra is fluent in English and Spanish. He received his B.A. in 1979 from the University of Connecticut and his J.D. in 1986 from the George Washington National Law Center. Mr. Saavedra has served as Secretary and Director for the Inter-American Businessmen Association and co-authored “An Introduction to the Settlement of Unresolved Property Claims against the Cuban Government.” Mr. Saavedra also served as Staff Assistant for Congressman William Lehman in Washington, D.C. [ ATTORNEY BIO ]
Saavedra-Goodwin has been my family attorney for over 35 years. They have been personable, knowledgeable, ethical and balanced with any legal advice. I would enthusiastically recommend them for legal work from real estate to family law.. - J. Pasalodos
I have worked with this law firm for 17 years on several business matters. They have a great team of attorneys and a fantastic support staff. I always felt secure with this firm handling my legal needs. They never missed a beat. I won't use any other firm for my legal needs in south Florida. - D. Mitchell
My experience with the team at Saavedra-Goodwin was outstanding. They handled our situation with the utmost professionalism and care. Their proactive approach saved me time and money. I highly recommend Saavedra-Goodwin to anyone seeking legal services in family and estate planning matters. - L. Reda
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