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Arlington Contract Law Attorneys
Great lawyers and their staff is amazing. They take care of all of your needs fast and for a great price!
JOSEPH MALOUF
Trusted Contract Lawyers Representing Clients in Arlington, VA
Legal contracts can serve a variety of important purposes, especially when it comes to setting up and preserving business relationships. These kinds of documents can be dense, and sometimes, it helps to have a trusted legal advocate on your side who can review the agreement to make sure your interests are protected. An attorney can also help with enforcing a contract or defending against an alleged breach of contract.
At Salvado Law Offices, our Arlington, Virginia contract law attorneys bring decades of experience to the table, providing excellent service and counsel for business owners, employees, vendors, and a multitude of other clients. We will review your case in detail and stand up for your interests as needed, and we are not afraid to proceed to trial on your behalf.
How Are Contracts Used in Virginia?
Contracts are used in Virginia to formalize nearly every kind of agreement, from a handshake deal with a contractor to a multimillion-dollar business acquisition. A valid contract generally requires an offer, an acceptance, something of value exchanged between the parties, and a mutual intent to be bound. Once those elements are in place, the agreement becomes enforceable, and each party can be held to the promises it made.
Businesses in Arlington depend on contracts to manage relationships with vendors, employees, clients, landlords, and investors. Individuals sign them when they buy property, finance a vehicle, or hire someone for home improvements.
While many agreements can be made verbally, Virginia law requires certain contracts to be in writing, including those involving the sale of real estate and agreements that cannot be completed within one year. A written contract also makes it far easier to prove what each side agreed to if a disagreement arises later.
Carlos Salvado is an excellent attorney and litiga-tor. He is very thorough and great to work with - Highly recommend!
ASADUR TUFEKCI, CPA
Questions?
Find clear answers to common concerns about contract law and other legal matters.
What Is a Breach of Contract?
A breach of contract occurs when one party fails to perform its obligations under a valid agreement without a legal excuse. This can mean failing to pay, delivering defective goods, missing a firm deadline, or refusing to complete the work at all. A breach can also happen when a party does something the contract specifically prohibits, such as sharing confidential information or competing against a former employer in violation of a restrictive covenant.
Not every breach carries the same weight. A material breach strikes at the heart of the agreement and may allow the other party to stop performing and seek compensation. A minor breach is less severe, so the contract usually stays in effect, though the injured party may still recover for any resulting losses. Timing is also important. In Virginia, a claim based on a written contract generally must be filed within five years, while claims based on oral contracts have a three-year deadline.
Specific Performance vs. Compensatory Damages in a Contract Dispute
Specific performance and monetary damages are two very different remedies for a breach of contract, and the right choice depends on what the injured party actually lost. Monetary damages are the most common remedy. Compensatory damages aim to put the injured party in the financial position it would have occupied if the contract had been honored. In some cases, consequential damages may also be available for foreseeable losses that flowed from the breach, such as lost profits on a related deal.
Specific performance is a court order requiring the breaching party to do what it promised. Courts treat it as an exceptional remedy and generally reserve it for situations where money cannot fairly make up for the loss.
Real estate is the classic example, since every piece of property is considered unique. A buyer who has a binding agreement to purchase a particular home or commercial building may ask the court to compel the seller to complete the sale. Specific performance may also apply to rare goods or one-of-a-kind items. Courts will not order it when the contract terms are too vague to enforce or when damages would adequately resolve the harm.
Meet With Our Arlington, Virginia Contract Lawyers
At Salvado Law Offices, we evaluate each agreement carefully and pursue the remedy that best fits your situation, whether that means negotiating a settlement or asking the court to enforce the contract. Contact our Arlington, VA contract law attorneys or call 301-933-1814 to set up a consultation today.
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