Experienced Contract Dispute Attorneys for Businesses and Individuals in Michigan & South Florida
When a business relationship breaks down or someone fails to honor their contractual obligations, the financial and operational consequences can be severe. George Law represents individuals and businesses throughout Michigan and South Florida in all types of contract disputes, from straightforward breach of contract claims to complex commercial litigation involving millions of dollars.
Our contract dispute lawyers combine aggressive advocacy with strategic thinking to protect your interests and achieve favorable outcomes whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation. Contact us today for more information.
Understanding Contract Disputes
Contract disputes occur when one party believes another has failed to fulfill their contractual obligations or when disagreements arise about what a contract actually requires. These disputes can involve written contracts, oral agreements, or implied contracts created through the parties’ conduct.
Common types of contract disputes include:
- Breach of Contract – When one party fails to perform as required by the contract terms, whether by failing to deliver goods or services, missing deadlines, providing substandard performance, or refusing to pay amounts owed.
- Contract Interpretation – Disagreements about what specific contract language means, particularly when terms are ambiguous, undefined, or subject to multiple reasonable interpretations.
- Fraudulent Inducement – Claims that one party was tricked into entering the contract through misrepresentations, concealment of material facts, or false promises never intended to be honored.
- Contract Modification – Disputes over whether contracts were validly modified through later agreements, changed circumstances, or the parties’ subsequent conduct.
Contract disputes arise in virtually every industry and business context. Our contract dispute lawyers handle claims involving:
- Business partnerships and shareholder agreements
- Vendor and supplier contracts
- Employment agreements and non-compete covenants
- Real estate purchase agreements and leases
- Construction contracts and subcontracts
- Service contracts and professional agreements
Elements of a Breach of Contract Claim
To successfully prove a breach of contract claim in Michigan or Florida, the plaintiff must establish several essential elements. First, a valid and enforceable contract must exist between the parties. Second, the plaintiff must have performed their contractual obligations or have a valid excuse for non-performance. Third, the defendant must have breached the contract by failing to perform as required. Finally, the plaintiff must have suffered damages as a direct result of the breach.
Proving these elements requires thorough evidence including:
- The contract itself and any amendments or modifications
- Communications between the parties regarding performance
- Documentation of performance by the plaintiff
- Evidence of the defendant’s breach or failure to perform
- Financial records demonstrating damages
- Expert testimony on industry standards or technical issues
Our contract dispute lawyers meticulously gather and present this evidence to build compelling cases that maximize your chances of success.
Available Remedies in Contract Disputes
When contracts are breached, several legal remedies may be available depending on the circumstances and the nature of the breach.
Compensatory Damages
The most common remedy, designed to put the non-breaching party in the position they would have been in if the contract had been performed. This includes direct damages from the breach and consequential damages that were foreseeable at the time the contract was formed.
Specific Performance
A court order requiring the breaching party to actually perform their contractual obligations, typically available only when monetary damages are inadequate, such as in contracts for unique goods or real estate transactions.
Rescission and Restitution
Cancellation of the contract and return of the parties to their pre-contract positions, often used when contracts were formed through fraud, duress, or mutual mistake.
Attorneys’ Fees
Many contracts include provisions allowing the prevailing party to recover their legal fees and costs. Even without such provisions, fee recovery may be available under certain statutes.
The Contract Litigation Process
Contract litigation follows a structured process that begins long before any lawsuit is filed.
Pre-Litigation Investigation and Demand – Before filing suit, our contract dispute lawyers conduct thorough investigations to assess the strength of your case, gather essential evidence, and evaluate potential defenses. We typically send demand letters to the opposing party outlining the breach, the damages suffered, and the resolution sought. Many contract disputes settle at this stage when faced with a well-documented demand from experienced litigation attorneys.
- Filing the Complaint – If pre-litigation negotiations fail, we file a complaint in the appropriate court, whether state or federal, based on jurisdictional requirements and strategic considerations.
- Discovery – The parties exchange information through interrogatories, document requests, and depositions. This process allows both sides to gather evidence, assess the strength of claims and defenses, and identify key witnesses.
- Mediation and Settlement Negotiations – Courts often require mediation before trial, and parties frequently engage in settlement discussions throughout litigation. Our contract dispute lawyers are skilled negotiators who pursue favorable settlements when appropriate while remaining prepared to try cases when settlement offers are inadequate.
- Trial – When cases don’t settle, they proceed to trial before a judge or jury. Our litigation team has extensive trial experience and knows how to present contract disputes persuasively to fact-finders.
Defenses to Contract Claims
When facing a contract dispute as a defendant, numerous defenses may be available depending on the circumstances.
Statute of Frauds
Certain contracts must be in writing to be enforceable, including contracts for the sale of real estate, contracts that cannot be performed within one year, and contracts for the sale of goods over a certain value.
Statute of Limitations
Contract claims must be filed within specific time periods, typically six years for written contracts in Michigan and five years in Florida, though time limits vary by contract type and jurisdiction.
Failure of Consideration
If the consideration supporting the contract failed or never existed, the contract may be unenforceable.
Material Breach by Plaintiff
If the party claiming breach has themselves materially breached the contract, they may be barred from recovery.
Why Choose George Law for Your Contract Dispute?
When your business interests or financial security are at stake in a contract dispute, choosing the right legal representation makes all the difference.
Our attorneys have successfully handled hundreds of contract disputes across Michigan and South Florida, recovering millions of dollars for clients and successfully defending against unfounded claims.
While our lawyers have the sophisticated legal skills and resources typically found at large firms, we maintain a manageable caseload that allows us to give each client personal attention and responsive communication.
We understand that litigation costs can mount quickly. Our contract dispute lawyers develop strategic litigation plans designed to achieve your objectives efficiently, whether through early settlement, targeted motion practice, or focused trial preparation.
Insurance companies and opposing parties know that George Law tries cases. Our willingness and ability to take cases to trial when necessary often leads to better settlement offers and more favorable outcomes.
With offices in Michigan and South Florida, we represent clients throughout both states and handle multi-state contract disputes involving parties in different jurisdictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a contract lawsuit?
Contract claims are subject to statutes of limitations that vary by jurisdiction and contract type. In Michigan, written contract claims generally must be filed within six years, while oral contract claims have a three-year limitation period. Florida provides five years for written contracts and four years for oral contracts. Because missing the deadline permanently bars your claim, consult a contract dispute lawyer promptly to protect your rights.
Can I sue over an oral contract?
Yes, oral contracts are generally enforceable in both Michigan and Florida, though they can be more challenging to prove than written agreements. You’ll need evidence of the agreement’s terms through witness testimony, emails, text messages, partial performance, or other documentation. However, certain contracts must be in writing under the Statute of Frauds. An experienced contract dispute attorney can evaluate whether your oral agreement is enforceable.
What damages can I recover in a contract dispute?
Contract damages are designed to put you in the position you would have been in if the contract had been performed. This typically includes direct damages, consequential damages, and sometimes liquidated damages if specified in the contract. You may also recover interest, court costs, and attorneys’ fees if your contract includes a fee-shifting provision. A contract dispute lawyer can evaluate your specific situation and estimate potential recovery.
Should I try to settle my contract dispute or go to court?
The decision to settle or litigate depends on numerous factors including the strength of your case, the amount at stake, the costs of litigation, and your business objectives. Many contract disputes settle through negotiation or mediation, which can save time and money while providing certainty of outcome. Our contract dispute lawyers help clients make informed decisions by thoroughly evaluating cases and providing honest advice about litigation risks and potential outcomes.
What should I do if someone breaches a contract with me?
If you believe someone has breached a contract, take immediate steps to protect your rights. First, review the contract carefully to understand the specific obligations. Second, document the breach thoroughly with emails, letters, and invoices. Third, send written notice of the breach. Fourth, mitigate your damages by taking reasonable steps to minimize losses. Fifth, consult experienced contract dispute lawyers promptly to evaluate your options and ensure you don’t miss critical deadlines.
Contact George Law Today
Don’t let contract disputes threaten your business or financial security. Whether you’re facing a breach of contract, disputing contract terms, or need to enforce your contractual rights, George Law’s experienced contract dispute lawyers are ready to help.
Contact our Michigan office at (248) 470-4300 or our Florida office at (305) 977-4529 to schedule your consultation. You can also reach us through our secure online contact form. With offices in Royal Oak, Michigan and Miami, Florida, we serve clients throughout both states with the aggressive advocacy and personalized attention you deserve. When the stakes are high, trust George Law.