Naples Contract Dispute Lawyer

Contract Dispute Attorney In Naples

When business or personal agreements fall apart, the outcome can be expensive and time-consuming. Having an experienced lawyer on your side during disputes can ease the legal burden. An experienced Naples contract dispute lawyer can help identify the terms of the agreement in question, determine if a breach occurred, and evaluate potential legal claims. If your dispute involves complex business matters, our Naples business litigation lawyer can provide additional strategic support.

Experienced Contract Dispute Attorneys in Naples

LMK Legal is a civil litigation firm based in Palmetto Bay, Florida, serving clients across South Florida. Founding attorney Laurence M. Krutchik brings over a decade of experience in the legal field.

Before founding the firm, Mr. Krutchik worked at several nationally recognized insurance defense firms in Miami. He has been selected by Super Lawyers Magazine as a Rising Star for four consecutive years, a recognition awarded to no more than 2.5% of attorneys in the state of Florida.

Understanding Contract Dispute Laws in Florida

Many of the 19,421 residents of Naples enter into contracts every day. Contracts are not limited to those working in business, but also apply to individuals receiving medical care, buying a home, or renting a service from a local business. With the average Naples home valuing $1.25M in 2023, many homeowners require meticulous contracts to stay protected.

A contract is an agreement between two or more people (or companies) where one side agrees to do something and the other side agrees to give something in return. This can be:

• A Product
• A Service
• Money
• A promise to do, or not do, something

Sometimes, even if there isn’t a formal contract, the law can still enforce an agreement. An experienced attorney can help explain your unique situation and identify the applicable laws in your case. Some written contracts detail that you must go through arbitration instead of going to court.

Arbitration

Arbitration is a private process in which a trained person, rather than a judge, decides who is right. If your contract has an arbitration clause, you may be giving up your right to have your case heard in court or by a jury. Make sure you understand what you’re agreeing to before you sign a contract with an arbitration clause.

Written Versus Verbal Contracts

In Florida, contracts can be written or spoken; however, written contracts are easier to enforce. Some written contracts must also include specific key terms to be valid, and a lawyer can help ensure that everything is written correctly.

Contracts can include rules about:

• Where claims must be filed
• Whether a jury is allowed
• Who pays attorney’s fees

Under Florida Statute §725.01, certain types of agreements are not legally enforceable unless they are put in writing and signed. This includes any promise to pay someone else’s debt, such as if you agree to cover a loan or financial obligation that belongs to another person.

Important Filing Deadlines

For those seeking to initiate a case regarding a contract dispute, Florida has specific deadlines for filing that must be adhered to. 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.

For verbal contracts, the deadline to file is four years. If the claim is based on fraud or misrepresentation related to a contract, the person generally has four years from the time the fraud was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered.

Why Choose Us?

It’s vital to hire a contract dispute lawyer to understand the full extent of your legal rights and what options are available to you. While litigation is sometimes necessary, our team works to resolve disputes efficiently whenever possible. We have years of experience representing Naples clients at the Collier County Courthouse, located at 3315 Tamiami Trail East.

One of our past clients, Monica, had this to say: “Larry was aggressive, responsive, and extremely well-versed in these kinds of contractual disputes. His detailed and comprehensive motion practice stood out. As a litigator myself, I was blown away by his professionalism, knowledge, and efficiency. I would recommend Larry to any of my own clients and/or colleagues without question.”

FAQs

What Other Types of Contracts Need to Be in Writing to Be Legally Enforceable in Florida?

You need a written contract for any promises made in exchange for marriage, such as financial agreements or property transfers related to getting married. Contracts that involve real estate must also be in writing to be enforceable. The same rule applies to any agreement that cannot be completed within one year from the date it was made. Agreements that cannot be completed within a year also fall under this rule, similar to provisions found in Florida business contract disputes.

Can You Cancel a Contract?

Most agreements cannot be cancelled, but certain contracts have a legal “cooling-off period” or right to cancel. You might be able to cancel a contract for future services if the service becomes unavailable or you’re no longer able to receive it. If your contract has a cancellation option, you must follow the instructions exactly.

What Happens if My Contract Was Broken in Florida?

If one side doesn’t do what they promised, that’s called a breach of contract. You may be able to open a case to enforce the contract or request compensation for the loss. It’s vital to contact a lawyer as soon as possible, as the deadline for filing is strict. An experienced contract attorney can review the contract and identify any terms that have been breached.

What Are Some Preventive Measures I Can Take When Signing a Contract?

To reduce the risk of future litigation, contract drafting and review are critical. It’s important that the terms of the contract are as clear and detailed as possible. Having a Naples contract dispute lawyer review contract language — much like the approach in protecting your business from contract disputes — can help prevent costly conflicts. While Florida recognizes certain verbal contracts, having a written contract is favorable for protecting your legal rights.

Talk to a Naples Contract Dispute Lawyer Today

At LMK Legal, we offer complimentary consultations to residents of Florida. During your consultation, you’ll receive honest and straightforward legal advice, so there are no surprises during legal proceedings. We strive to keep our clients informed throughout the entire process with direct and consistent communication.

Mr. Krutchik understands the stress of litigation for his clients. He approaches every case with the compassion it deserves and is passionate about ensuring the ideal outcome for his clients. Contact our office today to schedule your first appointment.

Naples Contract Dispute Resources:

• Common causes of real estate litigation in Florida

• Difference between business litigation and commercial litigation in Florida