Involved In A Contract Dispute? Count On Us For Powerful And Effective Representation.
No business can operate successfully without well-written and enforceable contracts – at least, not for long. These agreements are the glue that holds business relationships together, and they are intended to protect the rights and interests of both parties.
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 agreement
- 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, to clarify obligations, to 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:
Can a contract include the resolution method for disputes?
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.
Which resolution method is best for contract disputes?
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) 928-9568.
