Understand the agreement before choosing a response

A contract question may arise before signing, after a missed payment, or when the parties disagree about what was promised. Start with the full agreement and a clear account of what each side has done. The Right Law Firm, P.A. in Plantation can discuss whether our office can assist with your particular matter.

Does an agreement have to be on paper?

Not always. The Florida Bar's contract guide explains that some oral agreements can be enforceable, while certain transactions require a signed writing. Electronic agreements also deserve careful review: Florida's electronic transactions law recognizes electronic records and signatures within its scope. A missing handwritten signature therefore does not settle the question. The parties' communications, consent, conduct and applicable law matter.

A useful document checklist

  • The complete agreement, including signature pages, attachments, schedules, linked terms, amendments and renewal notices.
  • Proposals, estimates and messages showing what was offered and accepted, including any later change in price, timing or scope.
  • Invoices, receipts, payment history, delivery records and evidence of work performed or services received.
  • Complaints, responses, demands, cancellation notices and proof of when and how each notice was sent.
  • A dated timeline and a short explanation of the resolution you want.

Preserve original messages and files. Keep notes on a separate copy rather than changing the agreement or deleting unfavorable communications.

Questions to address before acting

Which person or business is actually a party? What performance was required, and was a condition left unsatisfied? Does the contract provide a notice address, opportunity to fix a problem, mediation, arbitration or a chosen court? Are there termination, renewal, fee or liability provisions that affect the decision?

These questions help organize a review; they do not determine that every clause is enforceable. Before withholding payment, cancelling work or signing a release, ask how that action could affect your own obligations. Do not assume every contract carries an automatic three-day cancellation right.

What to tell our office

Provide the agreement date, names of the parties, type of transaction, amount in dispute and any upcoming response, renewal or hearing date. Tell us if a lawsuit or arbitration has already started. An attorney must evaluate the applicable deadlines and available options, including whether negotiation or another process is appropriate.

Call 954-633-7744 or send a general legal inquiry. Representation, scope and fees depend on the matter and a written engagement agreement. Use a secure channel for confidential business records.