Breach of contract lawyers handle disputes that arise when one party fails to perform obligations required by an agreement. These cases can involve business contracts, service agreements, sales contracts, real estate agreements, employment contracts, partnership agreements, and other enforceable promises. FindTheLawyers helps individuals and businesses compare breach of contract attorneys by location, practice focus, and professional information.
Depending on the circumstances, remedies may include:
Preserving documentation can be critical in a contract dispute.
Consider speaking with a contract attorney when:
Depending on the dispute, an attorney may:
FindTheLawyers helps individuals and businesses explore breach of contract attorneys across the United States. Compare available lawyer profiles by location, practice focus, professional background, and other profile information to identify attorneys who handle contract disputes, business litigation, commercial agreements, and related legal matters.
What is considered a breach of contract?
A breach occurs when a party fails to perform an obligation required by an enforceable agreement. Examples can include nonpayment, failure to deliver goods or services, incomplete performance, missed deadlines, or violation of another contractual obligation.
Can I sue someone for breaking a contract?
Potentially. A viable claim generally depends on whether an enforceable agreement existed, whether a contractual obligation was breached, and whether the breach caused legally recoverable losses.
What is a material breach of contract?
A material breach is a significant failure that substantially affects the purpose or value of the agreement. Whether a breach is material depends on the contract language and circumstances.
What damages can be recovered for breach of contract?
Possible remedies may include compensatory, consequential, reliance, or liquidated damages depending on the agreement and applicable law. Specific performance may sometimes be available when money damages are inadequate.
Can I force someone to complete a contract?
Sometimes. A court may order specific performance in certain circumstances, particularly when monetary compensation would not adequately address the loss. This remedy is more common with unique assets such as real estate.
Can an oral agreement be legally enforceable?
Some oral agreements may be enforceable if the necessary elements of contract formation are present, but certain contracts must be in writing under applicable statutes. The answer depends on the type of agreement and state law.
What evidence is useful in a contract dispute?
Useful evidence may include the contract, amendments, emails, messages, invoices, payment records, purchase orders, notices, delivery records, project documents, and records showing financial losses.
How long do I have to file a breach of contract lawsuit?
The statute of limitations varies by state and can also depend on whether the agreement was written or oral and when the breach occurred. Contract disputes should therefore be evaluated under the law of the applicable jurisdiction.