When you sign a contract, you expect that you will fulfill your obligations in return for the other parties doing the same. If another party in a contract isn’t fulfilling their obligations, consult a Sarasota, FL, contract law attorney at Van Elswyk Law to learn about your legal options.
Respect for the sanctity of contracts is a tenet of the American way. In fact, the U.S. Constitution requires the government to respect and enforce a legally written contract.
If another party isn’t respecting a contract, Van Elswyk Law can help you petition the government to get redress for those actions. Contact us today to speak to an attorney who could help you get the compensation you deserve.
Your Options in a Contract Dispute
While some people will just ignore the terms of a contract, a contract dispute is not typically that simple. Usually, it involves a difference of opinion in what the contract requires of each party. This means that both parties might consider the other party to be in breach.
If you have a contract dispute, the first thing you should do is consult with a contract law lawyer at Van Elswyk Law. Our attorney will carefully read the disputed contract and research relevant laws to determine what it requires of each party.
However, this will rarely resolve the dispute. Many people have difficulty understanding the jargon commonly used in contracts. Disputes often arise when one or more parties believe that they agreed to something different than what is written in the document. They may sign a contract with good intentions but find themselves in breach.
There are a few methods we can use to resolve contract disputes.
Renegotiate the Contract
Enforcing a contract where one or more parties are unhappy rarely works out well. Typically, it is better to renegotiate the contract to terms that make everyone happy. If that isn’t possible, making the terms less onerous can solve a lot of problems.
If you decide to renegotiate a contract, our law firm will fight to make sure the new terms are fair. You don’t deserve to come out worse just because the other party didn’t read the contract carefully before they signed it.
Demand Compensation to End the Contract
Sometimes, a dispute is bad enough that there is no reasonable way to renegotiate. When this happens, it is usually best to end the contract. But that isn’t fair to you if you’ve upheld your part of the deal.
When this happens, our legal team could demand monetary compensation equal to the value of work you already put into the contract. Depending on the situation, we might also insist on additional compensation for losses you will suffer when the contract ends.
Get the Court to Enforce the Contract
While it is rarely a good idea to force another party to complete a contract they don’t want to participate in, there are times when it is necessary. If this is the case, our law firm will petition the court to enforce the contract. The court can fine or even imprison someone who refuses to follow its rulings.
Get a Court to Nullify an Unfair Contract
While the U.S. government must respect fair contracts, it has the power to nullify an illegal contract. A contract might be found illegal by the court if:
- It requires you to do something illegal
- You signed it under duress
- It is fraudulent or includes false statements
- You lacked the capacity to understand it at the time you signed it
If we determine a contract is illegal, we will petition the court to nullify it. When the court nullifies a contract, you are not subject to any clauses that would punish you for leaving it early and cannot be forced to fulfill the remainder of the contract.
Why choose Van Elswyk Law for contract disputes?
Brice Van Elswyk, the founder of Van Elswyk Law, worked in the financial sector for 14 years before becoming an attorney. He has a unique knowledge of contracts that is well beyond that of most other lawyers. Additionally, his combined experience in the financial sector and the legal field makes him an excellent negotiator during contract disputes.
When our law firm handles a contract dispute case, we typically seek a solution that is acceptable to both parties without going to court. But if we cannot come to a reasonable agreement with the other party, we are always prepared to go to trial.
Contact Van Elswyk Law for Contract Disputes in Bradenton/Sarasota, FL
What should you do when you are in dispute over what a contract says? You should not try to take matters into your own hands. Instead, contact Van Elswyk Law today to schedule a consultation with a contract dispute attorney who will fight for your rights in a contract dispute.
Van Elswyk Law helps clients with contract disputes in Sarasota, Bradenton, Charlotte County, Hillsborough County, and Manatee County.