Contract Disputes Attorneys in Indianapolis, Indiana

Contract disputes are often challenging and complicated to resolve. Therefore, legal guidance is invaluable whether you're dealing with a breach of contract, disputes over contract terms, or issues related to performance obligations. 

At Smid & Merchant, we strive to be your trusted partner for contract disputes in Indiana. Whether you're in Indianapolis, Fishers, Carmel, Noblesville, or Zionsville, our team aims to provide the legal support you need. Led by seasoned attorneys with years of experience handling contract disputes, we strive to deliver the best possible outcome for your case.  

Understanding Contract Disputes

Contracts are legally binding agreements between two or more parties. They specify the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of each party involved. When one party fails to fulfill their part of the agreement, a contract dispute arises. These disputes can involve various issues, including: 

• Breach of contract: Failure to perform any term of a contract without a legitimate legal excuse. 

• Misrepresentation: False statements that induce one party into entering the contract. 

• Non-performance: When one party does not complete their obligations as agreed upon. 

• Disputes over terms: Ambiguities or disagreements about the meaning of contract terms. 

• Duress or undue influence: Situations where one party was forced or unfairly persuaded into signing a contract. 

• Mistakes: Errors made by one or both parties that affect the terms or validity of the contract. 

• Fraud: Intentional deception to secure unfair or unlawful gain, leading to a contract that the deceived party would not have agreed to otherwise. 

• Unconscionability: A situation where the terms of the contract are so unfair or one-sided that they shock the conscience or are unjustly harsh to one party, often due to a significant imbalance of power between the parties. 

• Impossibility of performance: Unforeseen events or circumstances make it impossible for one or both parties to fulfill their contractual obligations, such as natural disasters or changes in laws that render the contractual duties unenforceable.

Indiana Laws Governing Contract Disputes

In Indiana, contract disputes are governed by state statutes and common law principles. The Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) also plays a significant role, particularly in commercial transactions. 

• Statute of limitations: In Indiana, the statute of limitations for filing a contract dispute claim is generally 10 years for written contracts and 6 years for oral contracts. This means you have a limited time to take legal action from the date the dispute arose. 

• Good faith and fair dealing: Indiana law requires parties to act in good faith and fair dealing when executing and performing under a contract. This principle ensures that all parties deal honestly and fairly with each other. 

• Parol evidence rule: Under Indiana law, the parol evidence rule prevents parties to a written contract from presenting extrinsic evidence of terms or agreements that contradict, modify, or vary the contractual terms as written. This rule is intended to preserve the integrity of written agreements by prohibiting the introduction of prior agreements or negotiations that are not included in the final contract. 

• Specific performance: When monetary damages are insufficient to remedy a contract breach, Indiana courts may order specific performance. This equitable remedy requires the breaching party to fulfill their contractual obligations as initially agreed. Specific performance is typically sought in cases involving unique items or where no suitable substitute exists, such as real estate transactions. 

Remedies for a Breach of Contract 

If you've been involved in a breach of contract, there are certain remedies you may be able to achieve. These can take multiple forms, including but not limited to:

• Damages: Monetary compensation for losses incurred due to the breach. 

• Specific performance: A court order requiring the breaching party to fulfill their contractual obligations. 

• Rescission: Canceling the contract and restoring the parties to their pre-contract positions. 

• Reformation: The court may modify the contract to reflect the true intentions of the parties if there has been a mutual mistake or misrepresentation. 

• Injunction: A court order that prevents a party from performing a specific act that would breach the contract. 

• Liquidated damages: Pre-agreed upon damages specified in the contract, to be paid in case of a breach when actual damages are difficult to quantify. 

Our Approach to Contract Disputes

At Smid & Merchant, we understand that every contract dispute is unique, requiring a tailored approach to achieve the best possible outcome. Here’s how we handle contract disputes: 

• Initial consultation: We will conduct a thorough consultation to understand the specifics of your dispute. We will then review the contract, discuss the issues, and outline potential strategies for resolving the dispute.

• Evaluation and strategy: Our attorneys will evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your case and work with you to develop a strategy to resolve the dispute efficiently while protecting your interests. 

• Negotiation: Many contract disputes can be resolved through negotiation. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who strive to reach a favorable settlement without litigation. 

• Litigation: We are fully prepared to represent you in court if a settlement cannot be reached. Our litigation experience ensures that you have strong representation throughout the legal process.