Breach of Contract & Business Dispute Attorney
Practical, cost-aware strategy for small businesses and individuals when a deal falls apart.
Business Disputes
How We Help With Business Disputes
When a client will not pay, a vendor fails to deliver, or a business partner walks away from a commitment, the damage goes beyond money. Disputes drain time and attention from running your business or your life. Most people simply want the problem resolved as efficiently as possible.
Attorney George L. Fernandez represents small businesses and individuals in contract and business disputes in state courts across Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. We start by understanding what you agreed to, what went wrong and what outcome you actually need. Sometimes a well-written demand letter is enough. Sometimes negotiation or mediation makes sense. And when the other side will not be reasonable, we are prepared to file suit and litigate.
We also help you avoid disputes in the first place by reviewing and drafting clear contracts before you sign.
What We Handle
Business Matters We Handle
- Breach of contract
- Partnership and vendor disputes
- Demand letters
- Contract review and drafting
- Collection of unpaid invoices
- Commercial lease disputes
- Settlement negotiation and litigation
Our Process
What Happens Next
- 1
Review the contract and facts
We read the agreement, emails and invoices, and identify your strongest claims or defenses.
- 2
Demand letter / negotiation
We put the other side on formal notice and try to resolve the dispute without court.
- 3
Lawsuit or settlement
If needed, we file or defend a lawsuit and keep working toward a sensible resolution.
FAQ
Business Disputes Questions
What counts as breach of contract?
A breach happens when one party fails to do what the contract requires without a legal excuse — for example, not paying, not delivering, delivering late or delivering something different than promised. To recover, you generally must show a valid contract, your own performance, the other side's breach and resulting harm.
Do I need a written contract?
Not always. Many oral agreements are enforceable in California, though they can be harder to prove. Certain agreements, like some real-estate transactions and contracts that cannot be performed within a year, generally must be in writing.
How long do I have to sue?
In California, the deadline is generally four years for breach of a written contract and two years for an oral contract, measured from the breach. Some contracts shorten these periods, so check your agreement and get advice early.
Can this be settled without court?
Often, yes. Many disputes are resolved through a demand letter, direct negotiation or mediation. Being prepared to litigate usually makes settlement talks more productive.
Can you review my contract?
Yes. We review and draft contracts so the terms are clear, your obligations are realistic, and you have practical remedies if the other party does not follow through.
What damages can I recover?
Typically, damages are meant to put you in the position you would have been in if the contract had been performed — such as unpaid amounts and lost profits that were reasonably foreseeable. Attorney's fees are usually recoverable only if the contract or a statute allows them.
Keep Reading
Related Pages
Client Reviews
What Our Clients Say on Google
“My husband and I are very thankful for all of the help that Mr. Fernandez gave us with representing my husband in a case where he was innocent. We live in GA but the case was in LA and Mr. Fernandez helped ease our mind that our case could very easily be handled. He was very professional, his team was always there to help guide us and answer our questions during the process of this very stressful time for us.”
Sarah SalazarGoogle review · “Attorney George Fernandez returned my phone call promptly and represented me in court on short notice. He did a 5-star stellar job on a complicated case. I will definitely retain him in the future. I'm very grateful to Attorney Fernandez for his expertise and willingness to represent me on such short notice, and with such a positive outcome.”
gina joeGoogle review · “Attorney George L Fernandez has helped I and my family tremendously with our eviction case. He is a very professional and great attorney it was a pleasure doing business with him. I would definitely recommend attorney George Fernandez to anyone in need.”
william washingtonGoogle review ·
Reviews reflect individual experiences; prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Talk to a Lawyer About Your Situation
Your first consultation is free. Call or book online and we will review your options with you in plain English — en español también.