In a breach of contract case, the party claiming injury may seek what are known as “reliance damages.” As the New York Court of Appeals has explained, this refers to “damages based on [the injured party’s] reliance interest, including expenditures made in preparation for performance or in performance, less any

Although most breach of contract and civil litigation cases fall under state law, there are times when federal law overrides or “preempts” such claims. This means that even if you can prove your case under New York state law, it will not matter, as a federal statute with different provisions

Many landlord-tenant disputes arise because of differing interpretations of the parties’ lease. Remember, a lease is a written contract, and like any contract, a court will look to its express terms in determining what the parties agreed to. This can prove especially important when one party claims there was a

Voluntary associations provide many important civil and cultural functions. When disagreements arise over an association’s internal rules, can an aggrieved party sue for breach of contract? An unusual case playing out before the New York courts offers some insight on this question. Man Banned from Dog Shows Cannot Claim Breach

Business deals can go bad for several reasons, many of which do not lead to litigation. But there are instances where one party believes it is the victim of fraud or fraudulent concealment, and in such cases it may opt to bring civil litigation. Under New York law, a person

Business agreements are often complicated documents involving a healthy dose of legal language. While such complexity may seem unnecessary, a well-drafted contract provides important protections for all parties involved. This includes provisions for terminating a contract, should problems arise. Unfortunately, misunderstandings can arise even when there is a written contract

Many people form partnerships to invest in other businesses. Such investment partnerships may include family and friends. While you may be tempted to rely on a handshake or familial goodwill in such circumstances, it is always advisable to get a partnership agreement in writing. Among other reasons, a written agreement

If you are taking out a mortgage to finance a real estate purchase, it is always a good idea to work with an attorney, in part to protect yourself against potentially predatory lending practices such as excessive fees or hidden payments that can cost you thousands of dollars. Many buyers

As a general rule, a contract may be terminated by either party unless they agree to a definite term. For example, if John Doe agrees to pay Jane Smith $500 per week for consulting services, this arrangement may continue indefinitely until either side decides to cancel the arrangement. However, if

When does an outside event allow you to get out of a contract? New York law recognizes the “doctrine of impossibility,” which holds that a party may be excused from a contractual obligation under certain circumstances. As explained by the New York Court of Appeals, “the excuse of impossibility of