Florida Contracts Legal Questions

"Not many of these folks even asked for a contract. I was a realtor for many years and know that copies of everything should be given under contract law to all parties." ...beware the perils of being a Google lawyer, as that statement is patently untrue. The issue here will start with the terms of the addendum, and whether its proven that you signed it, not whether you got a copy or remember signing it. If you claim the document was forged, or that its unenforceable, then you have a different issue and will need to hire a tenant/renters lawyer to review the documents and go from there. ... Read More

You can cross out anything you want prior to reaching agreeement, but of course the company may refuse to do the work if you won't agree to that clause,which I think is pretty standard.  For example, whenever you go to a doctor, you sign a form that says that if your health insurer refused to pay all or part of the bill, you will be responsible to pay it.  In order better to protect yourself, I suggest that  you get your insurer to sign off on the contractor and the scope of work. in writing, before you sign any contract.   ... Read More

This is not a legal issue but a business management one. You need to decide whether you can afford to walk away from the deal or do the work and not get paid and move on if that occurs. This person is ALREADY sending up signals that he intends to stiff you.People that wont sign an agreement memorializing what they say usually do so to avoid documenting thier BS promises. At BEST, you need to be vigilant with your invoicing from the start - the minute the first payment is delayed or missed - you stop work and explain why. DO NOT do 3-4 weeks worth of work you can't afford to lose and THEN address delayed or missed payment. ... Read More

Not if you can show it was your and a gift - but it may be difficult as thats an expensive gift, its doubtful people will belive your sons GF and you are such good freinds and its not the type of things people give as gifts when they live in the same home and use the "gift" themselves. ... Read More

Whether you broke the contract or not revolves around the contract. Your leaving the puppy somewhere "for en extended period of time" and the way you vaguely chraracterize that - as opposed to "2 weeks" or whatever time frame, is a cuase for concern and will all have to be assessed. You will need to hire a lawyer but that will likely cost you equal to or more than the dog itslef. ... Read More

This is all defined by the terms of the written agreement. If it is such a ridiculous proposition now, the time to have addressed that was THEN when you selected and signed the people. Unfortunately, you usually dont get to decide for someone else the value of thier effort, expense or hassle when you make firm plans and change your mind.... Read More

It's very difficult to answer this question without knowing the facts, but generally only parties to a contract can enforce it or seek damages for its breach.  An exception would be if you were what is known as a "third party beneficiary" of the contract.  For this to be the case, the contracting parties must have intended that you receive a direct benefit from the contract, such as a parent's agreement with a pianist to provide piano lessions to her child.  I don't know what type of contract you're talking about, so I can't say whether you were a third party beneficiary, but it's doubtful.  Without more facts, I see no basis for your dad to enforce the contract or sue for damages. The obvious question is why isn't your mother suing for breach?  If it is because she is dead or incapacitated in some way, you or your dad may be able to sue on her behalf.... Read More

Unfortunately, your subjective desire not to be bothered when you may owe people money takes a back seat to the legal liabilities of the contracts you signed. Depending no how much the chargebacks are you may want to consult with a bankruptcy lawyer or hire a lawyer to assist in working out some sort of settlement. ... Read More

Just because you paid the bill doesn't make you a party to the contract. If you filed small claims suit on your own you may have made a big mistake and may have exposed yourself to payment of legal fees to the otherside.You really need to retain a lawyer to address this befoe things get out of control. ... Read More

A person taking another's property is stealing, even if the thief originally gave the property to the owner.  You can try to have the police arrest her, and/or sue her civilly.  Of course, she can say she only loaned the bookbag to you, or something else, and there is no guarantee that the police or courts will believe you.... Read More