When Agreements Break Down, Legal Remedies Begin

Contracts are the foundation of business and professional relationships. When one party fails to perform, refuses to pay, or violates agreed terms, the result is often financial loss, reputational damage, and legal exposure. If you are involved in a contract dispute, the next step is not guesswork—it is legal action.

At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we represent individuals, business owners, contractors, professionals, and vendors throughout Cherry Hill and South Jersey in civil litigation involving breach of contract. Whether you are seeking to enforce a contract or defend against a claim, our firm provides strategic, efficient representation tailored to New Jersey law and the realities of business in Camden, Burlington, and Gloucester Counties.

What Constitutes a Breach of Contract in New Jersey?

Under New Jersey law, a breach of contract occurs when one party fails to perform its obligations under a valid, enforceable agreement without legal justification. The contract can be written, oral, or implied by conduct, as long as it meets the basic elements:

1. A valid contract existed
2. You performed your part of the agreement or were ready to do so
3. The other party failed to perform
4. You suffered measurable damages as a result

Breach of contract claims are typically filed in the Civil Division of the New Jersey Superior Court, governed by New Jersey common law and statutes such as N.J.S.A. 2A:14-1, which provides a six-year statute of limitations for most contract actions.

Common Types of Contract Disputes We Handle

Our firm litigates breach of contract cases across a wide range of industries and transaction types:

• Commercial lease and real estate contracts
• Vendor, supplier, or service agreements
• Employment and independent contractor disputes
• Construction contracts and change order disagreements
• Partnership, shareholder, or joint venture agreements
• Franchise and distribution contracts
• Licensing and intellectual property agreements
• Non-disclosure and confidentiality violations
• Loan agreements and promissory notes
• Business purchase or asset sale contracts

We handle both plaintiff and defense matters, offering proactive solutions whether you are enforcing your rights or responding to a demand.

Examples of Breach

• Failure to pay invoices or fees
• Delivering nonconforming goods or services
• Missing deadlines or milestones
• Walking away from a deal without justification
• Violating non-compete or confidentiality clauses
• Refusing to perform unless terms are renegotiated
• Wrongfully terminating a contract without cause

We analyze your agreement, communications, and course of dealing to determine the best strategy for resolution or litigation.

Legal Remedies for Breach of Contract

Depending on the nature of the breach and your goals, we pursue remedies such as:

• Compensatory damages (monetary losses caused by the breach)
• Consequential damages (lost profits, delays, reputational harm)
• Specific performance (forcing the breaching party to perform their duty)
• Rescission and restitution (canceling the contract and restoring value)
• Injunctive relief (to stop ongoing harm or enforce key terms)
• Attorneys’ fees and interest, if provided in the contract

Our goal is to maximize your legal leverage while minimizing cost and risk.

Contract Enforcement vs. Defense

Whether you are filing or responding to a breach claim, we provide strategic legal counsel. We help clients:

• File breach of contract lawsuits in Camden, Burlington, and Gloucester counties
• Respond to demand letters or lawsuits
• Assert valid defenses such as impossibility, fraud, or mutual mistake
• Negotiate settlements or contract modifications
• Enforce judgments or arbitration awards
• Avoid litigation through clear contractual planning

We assess the business and legal risks from every angle before advising the next step.

Third-Party Breach and Interference Claims

In addition to direct breach claims, New Jersey law recognizes related causes of action that we frequently pursue:

• Tortious interference with contract
• Tortious interference with prospective economic advantage
• Breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing
• Fraudulent inducement or misrepresentation during negotiations

We investigate whether outside parties—such as competitors, consultants, or landlords—wrongfully interfered with your contractual rights.

Industries We Serve

We represent businesses and individuals in:

• Construction and general contracting
• Real estate development and brokerage
• Professional services (medical, legal, accounting)
• Manufacturing and supply chain
• E-commerce and tech startups
• Retail and food services
• Marketing, design, and creative services
• Franchises and multi-location operators

No matter the sector, contracts are the infrastructure of operations—and we make sure they hold up under pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Do I have a case if the agreement was not in writing?
A: Possibly. New Jersey recognizes oral and implied contracts in many situations, particularly when supported by conduct, emails, or partial performance.

Q: How long do I have to sue for breach of contract in New Jersey?
A: Most claims must be filed within six years from the date of breach under N.J.S.A. 2A:14-1. There are shorter deadlines for certain government or real estate-related contracts.

Q: Can I recover attorneys’ fees?
A: Only if the contract specifically provides for it or if allowed under a statute. We review all provisions to determine fee-shifting potential.

Q: What happens if both parties breached the contract?
A: Courts will evaluate whose breach came first and whether one party’s breach excused the other’s performance. Comparative fault may reduce damages.

Q: Is mediation or arbitration required before suing?
A: Many contracts contain mandatory arbitration or mediation clauses. We review your agreement to determine the dispute resolution process and enforceability.

Take Legal Action When a Deal Falls Apart

If someone has broken their agreement with you—or accused you of doing so—you need clear, assertive legal counsel. At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we represent clients across Cherry Hill, Camden County, and South Jersey in breach of contract litigation with a focus on resolution and results. To speak with a contract litigation attorney, call (856) 209-3111 or email [email protected].