Contracts are the cornerstones of various business and financial relationships, as they stipulate the terms of the relationship and typically provide certain protections for both parties. However, when contracts are poorly written, when any party is in breach of contract or when other disputes arise, a decisive, quick and cost-effective resolution to these contract disputes can be essential to preserving the parties’ relationship and minimizing the costs for all parties involved in the dispute.
At Downey & Associates, PC, our Denver Contract Disputes Lawyer Thomas E. Downey has more than three decades of experience successfully representing his clients’ interests and helping them resolve their contract disputes both inside and outside of the courtroom. This is because Mr. Downey has the integrity, experience and resources necessary to ensure that each of his clients will always receive the:
Highest level of personal service
Highest quality legal services
Best possible resolution to their contract disputes.
Resolving disputes between employers and employees (such as those that may arise over overtime wages or the alleged violation of a non-compete agreement)
Dealing with allegations of stealing trade secrets or intellectual property
Resolving real estate contract disputes, such as those pertaining to commercial leases, real estate fraud allegations, misrepresentation, etc.
Overseeing the dissolution or negotiated buyout of businesses
Ensuring that our clients are able to obtain the judgments they are ultimately awarded (by, for instance, helping our clients garnish other parties’ wages or perfecting liens on their property).
Since 1983, Thomas Downey and the other legal professionals at Downey & Associates, PC, have been providing individuals and businesses in the Denver Metro Area and throughout the U.S. with the highest level of legal service for their contract, business, litigation and real estate legal issues. Our unwavering commitments to our clients, along with our extensive experience handling complex matters of contract law, means that our clients can always trust that we will aggressively protect their rights and help them achieve the best possible outcomes to their imporant legal matters.
When you choose to work with our Denver contract disputes attorney, you can rest assured that, at every stage of the legal process, your case will be handled with expert care and attention and that we will work tirelessly to help you resolve your case as favorably and efficiently as possible.
Let’s Discuss Your Case and Options – Contact Us Today
We welcome you to attend an initial consult to learn more about your rights and options, as well as our various services. Set up this meeting today by calling us at (303) 813-1111 or by emailing us using the contact form on this page.
From our law offices in Centennial, we serve clients throughout Colorado and the U.S.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common causes of contract disputes among Denver businesses?
Common causes of contract disputes in Denver include misinterpretation of contract terms, non-compliance with contractual obligations, and conflicts over contract scope and terms. Our expertise helps clients understand the nuances of their contracts, ensuring clear agreements and reducing the likelihood of disputes.
How do changes in Colorado law affect existing business contracts in Denver?
Changes in Colorado law can significantly impact existing business contracts, particularly regarding compliance and enforceability. It's essential to have a contract dispute lawyer review your agreements periodically to ensure they remain in line with current laws and best practices.
What is the statute of limitations for breach of contract claims in Colorado, and when does the clock start?
Most contract actions in Colorado must be filed within three years of accrual. Some claims to recover a liquidated or determinable sum, such as certain debts or notes, can have a six-year period. Accrual generally occurs when the breach is discovered or should have been discovered with reasonable diligence under the statute. Parties should diary potential deadlines from the first missed performance or invoice due date while evaluating discovery-rule nuances. Contracting for shorter limitation periods may not override statutes in all contexts, so counsel review is prudent. The governing provisions include C.R.S. 13-80-101, 13-80-103.5, and 13-80-108.
Are liquidated damages clauses enforceable in Colorado contracts?
Yes, courts will enforce liquidated damages that reasonably estimate anticipated loss at the time of contracting and are not a penalty. The Colorado Supreme Court has emphasized that a sum that functions as a penalty or forfeiture is generally unenforceable. Whether a provision is valid depends on factors like difficulty of measuring actual damages and proportionality. Parties strengthen enforceability by documenting the basis for the number and tying it to forecasted harm. Courts may refuse to enforce amounts that are punitive or grossly disproportionate to likely loss. The leading guidance includes the Supreme Court’s decision in Ravenstar v. One Ski Hill Place.
If my contract has an arbitration clause, will a Colorado court compel arbitration?
Colorado’s Uniform Arbitration Act makes written agreements to arbitrate valid and enforceable, with limited defenses similar to contract revocation grounds. If a party refuses to arbitrate, the other side can move to compel, and the court will summarily decide whether an enforceable agreement exists. Courts generally stay related litigation until that threshold question is resolved. If the agreement is valid, courts order arbitration and stay claims subject to the clause. The statute also outlines procedures for consolidation, appointment of arbitrators, and provisional remedies. See C.R.S. 13-22-206 and 13-22-207 for the core rules.
How can I get started with resolving my contract dispute in Denver?
If you're ready to tackle your contract dispute, reach out to Downey & Associates PC. We invite you to schedule an initial consultation to explore your options and understand how our services can meet your needs. Our dedicated team is committed to providing the highest level of service and legal expertise.
Downey & Associates PC represents clients in Denver and in the surrounding Colorado communities including Englewood, Littleton, Aurora, Greenwood Village, Broomfield, Boulder, Westminster, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, Adams County, Denver County, Arapahoe County, Douglas County, Jefferson County, Boulder County, Larimer County and El Paso County.
