Home Blog Breach of Contract: A Quick Guide

Breach of Contract: A Quick Guide

Types and Examples: Contract disputes and lawsuits

Contracts are legally binding agreements between two or more parties, with the parties agreeing to play specific roles relating to the terms of the document. Ideally, all parties involved are happy to meet the terms of the agreement and no disputes arise.

But no matter how eager the parties seem or how simple the agreement is, you should always be prepared for the possibility of a breach of contract.

What Is a Contract Breach Example?

Put simply, a breach of contract is when one or more parties fail to keep to one or more terms laid out within a contract.

Some examples include not contributing the specified amount of capital to a shared business venture, not completing a service by the given date, or failing to meet the performance metrics laid out in the contract. Should one or more parties fail to fulfill their obligations, other parties are entitled to seek legal remedies.

Are There Different Types of Contract Breaches?

Yes. There are four main types of breach of contract. These are:

  • Minor or Partial Breach: With this type of breach, one or more parties fail to fulfill some aspect of the contract but do not go so far as to violate the contract as a whole. The aspect they fail to fulfill must be small enough that it does not stop the contract from serving its overall purpose or prevent other parties from meeting their obligations.
  • Material or Total Breach: With this type of breach, one or more parties fail to meet their obligations to the point that it impairs the functionality of the contract as a whole, defeating the purpose of the agreement. The parties who were meeting their obligations can then collect damages from the underperforming party.
  • Fundamental Breach: This type of breach is similar to a material breach. The only difference is that the violations of the contract are considered to be more egregious than with the former.
  • Anticipatory Breach: In this case, one or more parties inform the others that they can tell they will be unable to meet one or more terms of the contract. The party that is meeting its obligations is then entitled to seek some sort of remedy.

Breach of Contract Remedies

The answer to this comes down to how severe the breach is and what your losses are. It is advisable to speak with a contract attorney to determine the next steps to take since part of their role is to assist with disputes and enforcement. It is possible that if the breach is minor or your losses small that taking legal action will be more costly than rewarding.

Should legal action be best, there are four types of damages you might be awarded:

  • Compensatory damages, where you are reimbursed for your losses.
  • Restitution, where you are awarded things like lost wages and property repair.
  • Punitive damages, where you are given some form of restitution specifically as punishment to the breaching party.
  • Specific performance, where the breaching party is forced to fulfill their part of the agreement.

Protect Yourself and Work With a Vetted Contract Lawyer Near You

The best way to protect yourself in the event of a breach is to have a high-quality contract lawyer on your side. ContractsCounsel is a boutique marketplace that puts you into contact with vetted contract lawyers who know your industry as well as state and federal law. Protect your interests; work with ContractsCounsel.com.


ContractsCounsel is not a law firm, and this post should not be considered and does not contain legal advice. To ensure the information and advice in this post are correct, sufficient, and appropriate for your situation, please consult a licensed attorney. Also, using or accessing ContractsCounsel's site does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and ContractsCounsel.


How ContractsCounsel Works
Hiring a lawyer on ContractsCounsel is easy, transparent and affordable.
1. Post a Free Project
Complete our 4-step process to provide info on what you need done.
2. Get Bids to Review
Receive flat-fee bids from lawyers in our marketplace to compare.
3. Start Your Project
Securely pay to start working with the lawyer you select.

Meet some of our Lawyers

Jeanne H. on ContractsCounsel
View Jeanne
5.0 (1)
Member Since:
July 2, 2026

Jeanne H.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Nashville, Tennessee
11 Yrs Experience
Licensed in GA, TN
University of Tennessee- College of Law

Jeanne is a trusted and approachable legal advisor for contractors, developers, architects, and owners navigating the complexities of construction projects and serves as the founding attorney at Harrison Litigation Team, PLLC. Jeanne has a deep legal knowledge with a genuine understanding of the people and projects behind every build, bringing over a decade of experience to each dispute and transaction. She focuses her practice on construction litigation, business litigation, and complex transactions, guiding clients through the full lifecycle of their projects — from contract negotiation and risk management to dispute resolution and litigation. Capabilities: * Drafting and negotiating AIA and custom construction and business contracts * Managing claims involving delays, defects, and payment disputes * Representing clients in mediation, arbitration, and court proceedings * Advising on regulatory compliance and lien enforcement * Guiding business transactions and partnership agreements

Jordan B. on ContractsCounsel
View Jordan
Member Since:
July 5, 2026

Jordan B.

Commercial Litigator
Free Consultation
Chicago, IL
1 Yr Experience
Licensed in IL
Northwestern Law

Former Kirkland & Ellis litigator. 3x business owner before law school. Motivated to solve commercial disputes using legal tools from a business lens.

Matthew B. on ContractsCounsel
View Matthew
Member Since:
July 7, 2026

Matthew B.

Founder & Principal Attorney
Free Consultation
Tewksbury, Massachusetts
8 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MA
Suffolk University Law School

I am a Massachusetts attorney with an MBA and approximately six years of experience advising closely held businesses, business owners, and individuals on contracts, corporate transactions, commercial real estate, and day-to-day business legal issues. My practice focuses on helping clients draft, review, negotiate, and understand agreements that support their business goals while identifying practical legal and financial risks before problems arise. I assist clients with matters including business purchase and sale agreements, commercial leases, independent contractor agreements, confidentiality agreements, operating agreements, entity formation documents, corporate governance materials, and outside general counsel support. I also bring many years of litigation experience involving contract, business, real estate, construction, and ownership disputes, which I believe helps me review agreements with an eye toward clarity, enforceability, and avoiding future disputes. My goal is to provide practical, responsive, and business-minded legal guidance to small businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals who need clear answers and well-drafted documents without unnecessary complexity.

Mary G. on ContractsCounsel
View Mary
Member Since:
July 8, 2026

Mary G.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Los Angeles, California
16 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA
UCLA School of Law

Prenuptial Agreements I represent clients in the preparation and review of prenuptial agreements. My experience includes drafting comprehensive prenuptial agreements on behalf of the initiating fiancé, ensuring that the agreement accurately reflects the client's financial interests, assets, liabilities, and objectives while complying with applicable legal requirements. I also represent the non-drafting fiancé by conducting a thorough review of proposed prenuptial agreements, identifying legal and financial issues, explaining the rights and obligations created by the agreement, recommending revisions where appropriate, and negotiating modifications to help protect my client's interests before execution. Probate Administration Represented a client in the complete administration of a California probate estate valued at approximately $1 million. Successfully handled the matter from the initial petition through final distribution, preparing all required court filings, advising the executor throughout the administration, resolving probate requirements, and obtaining court approval to close the estate. Achieved the successful distribution of the estate assets to the executor and sole beneficiary in accordance with California probate law.

Mark M. on ContractsCounsel
View Mark
Member Since:
July 13, 2026

Mark M.

Attorney at Law
Free Consultation
San Diego, California
4 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA
Thomas Jefferson

I help California businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals understand legal risk and resolve legal issues efficiently. My practice focuses on contract drafting, review, negotiation, business disputes, settlement agreements, and practical legal guidance tailored to each client's objectives. I emphasize clear communication, practical solutions, and work that clients can put to use immediately.

Karen B. on ContractsCounsel
View Karen
Member Since:
July 16, 2026

Karen B.

Business Lawyer
Free Consultation
San Diego, CA
27 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY
Hofstra

Experienced business attorney representing startups, founders, and growing companies in commercial transactions, contract negotiation, and outside general counsel matters.

Destiny S. on ContractsCounsel
View Destiny
Member Since:
July 20, 2026

Destiny S.

Founding Attorney
Free Consultation
Silver Spring, MD, USA
2 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MD
American University, Washington College of Law

Destiny Staten is an advocate for education, children’s rights, and accessiblity. A graduate of American University Washington College of Law, her experiences have taught her that empowerment starts with access—whether that’s access to legal protection or knowledge about one’s rights.

Andrew F. on ContractsCounsel
View Andrew
Member Since:
July 20, 2026

Andrew F.

Owner / President
Free Consultation
Tallahassee, FL
13 Yrs Experience
Licensed in FL
Loyola Law School

Andrew M. Fredrickson, Esq. is the founding partner of The Fredrickson Law Firm. Mr. Fredrickson is a problem solver who prides himself on finding good, practical resolutions for his clients. Mr. Fredrickson is an alumnus of Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, where he graduated at the top of his class with numerous accolades and honors. Mr. Fredrickson began his career as an in-house business and legal affairs executive for NBC Universal, eventually working with other television studios. After relocating from California to his home state of Florida, Mr. Fredrickson transitioned to practicing construction/business/and estate law. Ultimately, Mr. Fredrickson realized he had a passion for helping clients with protecting and planning for their families through a more proactive legal representation. Mr. Fredrickson quickly realized he could best serve his clients through a more individualized and personalized approach focused on estate planning. Mr. Fredrickson’s diverse background and skillset bring a vast array of knowledge and principals to the table in servicing his clients – it is these elements that are the foundation of The Fredrickson Law Firm, which continues to serve clients on an individualized, active, and practical basis to this day.

Katherine P. on ContractsCounsel
View Katherine
Member Since:
August 1, 2026

Katherine P.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Miami, Florida
2 Yrs Experience
Licensed in FL
St Thomas University School of Law

Ms. Pallidine earned her Juris Doctor from St. Thomas University College of Law, where she distinguished herself academically and received certificates in Intellectual Property Law and Real Estate Law. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Behavioral Analysis, as well as a dual major in Women and Gender Studies from Florida International University. Throughout her legal education, Katherine gained valuable practical experience through various externship and internship programs. She served at the City Attorney’s Office of Coral Gables and Catholic Legal Services for the Archdiocese of Miami, as well as at a prominent Personal Injury Firm. These diverse experiences provided her with a broad understanding of multiple legal disciplines, sharpening her advocacy skills and deepening her understanding of client-centered service. Katherine is dedicated to helping her clients navigate sensitive legal issues with empathy, clarity, and a steadfast commitment to their best interests. She strives to build strong, trust-based relationships and is passionate about empowering her clients through knowledgeable legal guidance. ​​​​​​​

Philips V. on ContractsCounsel
View Philips
Member Since:
August 4, 2026

Philips V.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Dallas, Texas
12 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MI, TX
Wayne State University Law School

General Counsel for Construction and Related Legal Services - Although Phil specializes in construction-related law, Phil’s law practice areas include commercial, construction, contract, criminal, employment, ERISA, energy, environmental, OSHA, government, immigration, insurance, labor (EEOC, FLSA, FMLA, COBRA, etc.), personal injury, product liability, real estate, surety, utilities, and workers’ compensation, amongst others.

Find the best lawyer for your project

Browse Lawyers Now

Quick, user friendly and one of the better ways I've come across to get ahold of lawyers willing to take new clients.

View Trustpilot Review

Need help with a legal contract?

Post Your Project

Get Free Bids to Compare

Hire Your Lawyer

CONTRACT LAWYERS BY TOP CITIES
See All Litigation Lawyers

Contracts Counsel was incredibly helpful and easy to use. I submitted a project for a lawyer's help within a day I had received over 6 proposals from qualified lawyers. I submitted a bid that works best for my business and we went forward with the project.

View Trustpilot Review

I never knew how difficult it was to obtain representation or a lawyer, and ContractsCounsel was EXACTLY the type of service I was hoping for when I was in a pinch. Working with their service was efficient, effective and made me feel in control. Thank you so much and should I ever need attorney services down the road, I'll certainly be a repeat customer.

View Trustpilot Review

I got 5 bids within 24h of posting my project. I choose the person who provided the most detailed and relevant intro letter, highlighting their experience relevant to my project. I am very satisfied with the outcome and quality of the two agreements that were produced, they actually far exceed my expectations.

View Trustpilot Review

How It Works

Post Your Project

Get Free Bids to Compare

Hire Your Lawyer

Want to speak to someone?

Get in touch below and we will schedule a time to connect!

Request a call

Find lawyers and attorneys by city