Ask a Florida Corporate Counsel: How Can I Handle a Contract Dispute?

Ask a Florida Corporate Counsel: How Can I Handle a Contract Dispute?

Ask a Florida Corporate Counsel: How Can I Handle a Contract Dispute?

Business owners are often dismayed when a contract dispute arises. Whether it was expected or completely out of left field, situations like this do not always resolve quickly. However, your Florida corporate counsel understands the laws surrounding contracts and contract disputes.

Get the Advice You Need about Your Contract Dispute

After learning of the dispute, your first call should be to your Florida corporate counsel or business lawyer. Otherwise, you might innocently say or do something to the other parties with the best intentions but actually make the situation worse. Your legal representative understands the fine details and implications.

Next, pull a copy of your contract.

Review the Contract

You and your Florida corporate counsel will carefully read through the document. When you have a dispute, your contract may hold at least some of the answers. Many contracts contain provisions that state how you should handle a contract dispute.

For example, sometimes contracts require the parties to engage in alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation or arbitration. However, if the dispute is minor, you might not reach that step.

Talk Your Contract Dispute Out … Carefully

After thoroughly reviewing the contract and the disagreement, your Florida corporate counsel will generally discuss strategies for handling your contract dispute. You and your attorney might be able to negotiate with other parties and their counsel to reach a mutually agreeable settlement.

If negotiations fail, you might have to take other steps.

Participate in Alternative Dispute Resolution to Handle Your Contract Dispute

As mentioned above, you and your contract dispute might benefit from arbitration or mediation. Some of the key differences between the two are:

Mediation is held with an impartial mediator who serves as facilitator. The mediator does not hand down an order forcing you or the other parties to take any action. When mediation is successful, the parties reach an agreement. This agreement could end any current litigation or even prevent a lawsuit from being filed in the first place.

Arbitration is held before one or more arbitrators. After hearing evidence, the arbitrator typically makes a decision and signs an order binding the parties. Arbitration is more formal than mediation but less formal than a trial.

Either method can save time and money. However, a lawsuit might be necessary when your contract dispute cannot be resolved here.

Filing a Complaint Is an Option

Business litigation to handle a contract dispute can be very expensive. Still, your legal disagreement needs to be resolved. Sometimes, filing a lawsuit is the best way to accomplish your goals. Here, again, your Florida corporate counsel can assist you in choosing the strategies that seem best for your situation.

We Can Help with Your Contract Dispute

Attorney Richard Sierra at the Florida Small Business Center assists clients like you with business and litigation matters. As always, Our Goal Is to Help You Succeed™. For an appointment, you may call us at 1-866-842-5202 or use the contact form on our website. We represent clients throughout the State of Florida, including Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Pompano Beach, Sunrise, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Deerfield Beach, Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Orlando, Naples, Fort Myers, Sarasota, Tampa, and surrounding communities.

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