It can be costly and disruptive to an individual or company when one party fails to uphold a contract or if the parties involved disagree on how to implement the terms and or conditions. Efficient resolution is necessary in a contract dispute, but at the same time, you want to ensure your interests are protected throughout the process.
Tamera Boudreau at The Boudreau Firm skillfully represent clients in contract disputes in Tampa, Clearwater, St Petersburg and throughout Florida. Ms. Boudreau enjoys more than two decades of successful experience in business and commercial negotiations, contract litigation, as well as in the handling of disputes on behalf of individuals. We can help you resolve your contract case while strategically working for an outcome that’s optimal for you.
Our firm handles contract disputes of all sizes, including but not limited to:
- Breach of written or oral contract
- Breach of fiduciary duty
- Employment contract disputes
- Corporate conflicts
- Franchise disputes
- Landlord-tenant conflicts
- Insurance coverage disputes.
Contact The Boudreau Firm to help obtain an ideal resolution for your contract dispute. Contact us today at 727-390-7614.
Types of Contract Disputes
There are various reasons that two parties may disagree over a contract. Some argue over an alleged violation of contract terms or agreements; others disagree on the interpretation of the terms. At times, a party may even dispute the existence and validity of the contract itself. These are common types of contract disputes that the The Boudreau Firm can represent you in:
Material breach of contract
A breach occurs when one party fails their contractual obligation or violates a prohibition contained in the contract. Florida courts often look at whether the breach is “material” enough to warrant a claim. A breach is “material” when it violates the very heart of the agreement, rendering the contract useless. In addition, a material breach causes damage or harm to the aggrieved party.
Anticipatory breach of contract
Also called repudiation, an anticipatory breach is when one party indicates their intention not to fulfill the contract. This often occurs as an action (or lack of action) that shows the aggrieved party that the other side will not fulfill their duty. An example is when a contractor agrees to finish a project within a deadline but later reveals that they cannot meet the deadline due to their work on other projects.
Contract validity dispute
A contract must meet a set of criteria to be valid and enforceable. One party may find that the contract they entered is not valid, and thus they are free from obligations. Even if they signed the document, they might still be able to claim that they only accepted the terms after coercion or undue influence from the other party.
Ambiguous language
Clarity and specificity are crucial in wording a contract. If the agreement can be interpreted more than one way, it can become the subject of a conflict between involved parties. It can also result in a potential contract breach that harms the operations of either or both parties.
Elements of a Contract Breach Claim in Florida
What constitutes a breach of contract? In Florida, it’s not just any violation of a contract clause. A breach of contract claim must have these elements:
- The contract exists and is valid.
- There was a material breach of contract.
- The breach of contract caused damages to the aggrieved party.
Florida courts often require proof that the breach was “material” – that is, that the violation struck the very essence of the contract. Establishing this requires strong argumentation and a solid grasp of contracts law and your rights, which is why it is essential to have an experienced attorney on your side.
A contract lawyer’s services are also crucial in proving the damages you incurred due to the other party’s contract breach. You may be able to obtain a monetary recovery if you successfully pursue a breach of contract claim with your attorney. Consult with The Boudreau Firm to learn your options in recovering your losses and resolving your case. It’s vital to speak with us early, as Florida has a five-year statute of limitations (time limit) on contract claims.
Contract Dispute Litigation and Negotiation
Filing a lawsuit is one potential remedy when a contract dispute arises. However, court litigation is often expensive, time-consuming, and a hassle, exacerbating the disruption that both parties have experienced. For businesses and individuals hoping to avoid a costly trial, other legal remedies are available to reach a resolution.
We at The Boudreau Firm are not afraid to go to court on your behalf, but we’re also well-versed in other dispute resolution methods. Our Arbitration and Mediation services may be valuable to you in getting a settlement out of court.
Your specific case requires a specific strategy. Discuss your case with The Boudreau Firm for advice on the best options to resolve your contract dispute favorably.
Contact a Tampa & Saint Petersburg Contract Lawyer
When looking for a contracts attorney to help with issues that arise during a contract dispute, the most important qualities to look for are experience, a proven track record, and creativity in navigating the facts of the case. Attorney Tamera Boudreau has all of these qualities. She is versed in contract law and has been handling business and commercial cases for over two decades, frequently obtaining substantial recoveries for her clients.
The Boudreau Firm is based in St. Petersburg, Florida and serves Tampa Bay, Clearwater, Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Manatee County, Sarasota County Hernando County, Pasco County, and beyond. Contact The Boudreau Firm today at 727-390-7614 to schedule a consultation.