Coral Gables Contract Dispute Lawyer

Contract Dispute Attorney In Coral Gables

Facing a contract dispute can be incredibly overwhelming and confusing for those who don’t understand the full extent of Florida laws. Contracts often fail for various reasons, making it vital to seek a skilled Coral Gables contract dispute lawyer to help assess your situation. They can read over the details of your contract, see if any terms were violated, and determine what legal options are available to you to protect your rights.

Experienced Contract Dispute Attorneys in Coral Gables

Here at LMK Legal, we have years of experience helping our clients with their contracts. As a longtime Florida resident, founding attorney Laurence M. Krutchik is deeply committed to his community and passionate about protecting his neighbors in court cases.

Mr. Krutchik is AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest possible rating for ethics and legal skill. He has also been recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star every year for the past four years, an honor given to only 2.5% of attorneys in Florida.

Florida Contract Dispute Laws

Coral Gables, a city of 49,243 residents as of 2023, is known for its Mediterranean Revival architecture, upscale shopping and dining along Miracle Mile, and a vibrant arts and culture scene including museums, theaters, and festivals. Contracts in Coral Gables are regularly used by:

• Business owners. In 2023, 11.2% of the city’s workers were employed in business and financial operations, making contracts common in the workplace.
• Landlords and tenants
• Employers and employees
• Real estate agents. With the average home valued $ at $1.01M in 2023, contracts require careful review to protect yourself.

Contract laws in Florida are designed to hold parties accountable for the terms they voluntarily agree upon. When someone breaks a contract, the other party can file for damages if they prove three things:

1. There was a valid contract
2. The other person didn’t follow it
3. That caused harm

Written vs Verbal Contracts

In Florida, a contract can be either written or verbal; however, written contracts are generally easier to enforce legally. To avoid future disputes, it’s essential to make sure all contracts are clearly written and thoroughly reviewed by a lawyer. Under Florida Statute §725.01, certain contracts must be in writing to be enforceable. This includes:

• Agreements that cannot be performed within one year
• Promises to pay another’s debt
• Transactions involving the sale of real estate
• Agreements made in consideration of marriage, such as the promise of property upon marriage

While most contracts cannot be canceled once signed, some agreements include a legal “cooling-off period.” For example, you may be able to cancel a contract for future services if the service becomes unavailable or if you’re no longer able to receive it. If your contract includes a cancellation clause, it’s important to follow the specific steps exactly.

Deadlines for Filing

It’s essential to act promptly when opening a case for contract disputes, as Florida has strict deadlines for filing these types of claims. Outlined in Florida Statute §95.11, the deadline to file a claim is five years from the date the contract was broken for written contracts. The deadline to file is four years for verbal contracts. It’s vital to hire a contract dispute lawyer to help you understand your rights.

Why Choose Us?

Before founding LMK Legal, Mr. Krutchik worked primarily in insurance defense firms in Miami. He now utilizes that knowledge to represent his clients in a wide range of cases. He understands that opening a legal case can be challenging for many, and he works diligently to handle the legal aspects so that his clients can focus on their mental well-being.

Clients of our firm consistently value Mr. Krutchik’s ethical approach and personal dedication. As one former client, Leo, shared: “Larry is above all a human being, not only concerned on the dollar sign, but worried about making you’re being taken care, he really gives you the peace of mind he’s fighting for you with ethics and respecting law, when I needed him the most he was there to help me and the continuity of my business!”

FAQs

Why Do Contract Disputes Happen?

Contract disputes often happen when someone believes the contract wasn’t followed correctly or wasn’t written clearly. Common reasons include mistakes or missing details in the contract, one party failing to fulfill their obligations, or misinterpreting the terms after signing. For example, a customer might claim that a service wasn’t done properly, or an employee might feel they didn’t get the pay or benefits promised.

What Types of Damages Can I Recover in a Florida Contract Dispute?

Common recoverable damages include actual losses like lost income, out-of-pocket expenses, or the cost to fix damaged property. You can also claim damages if the breach caused other foreseeable harm, such as lost business. If someone backs out before the contract begins, anticipatory damages may apply. A contract attorney can help determine what you’re owed.

Is It Better to Settle a Contract Dispute Before Taking It to Trial?

Contract disputes are usually overseen by the Coral Gables District Court, located at 3100 Ponce de Leon Boulevard. Settling a contract dispute before going to trial is often a smart decision. When both parties are willing to negotiate, a settlement allows for more control over the outcome and can preserve important business relationships. Settling also keeps the dispute private, unlike a public court case.

Do I Need a Lawyer to Review a Contract Before I Sign?

It’s a good idea to have a lawyer review a contract before you sign it. A lawyer can make sure the contract clearly explains each party’s rights and responsibilities, protects your interests, and follows all applicable laws. They can also spot unclear terms, missing details, or risks you may not notice on your own. This step can save you from future disputes and give you peace of mind that you’re entering into a fair agreement.

Choose a Trusted Coral Gables Law Firm

Contract disagreements are a serious matter, and understanding your legal rights and obligations under Florida law is essential. At LMK Legal, we offer complimentary consultations to clients in Coral Gables, helping them fully understand their available options. Contact our office today to schedule a confidential consultation.

Coral Gables Contract Dispute Resources:

• How to resolve a business contract dispute in Florida

• Common business litigation cases in Florida