Ann Arbor Civil Litigation Attorney
An Experienced and Aggressive Lawyer Looking Out for Your Best Interests
Sometimes disputes that cannot be resolved between parties end up in court. If your dispute must go to trial, you want an advocate who is experienced and aggressive and looking out for your best interests. In other words, you want an attorney with integrity who will honestly discuss with you the pros and cons of litigation. Attorney Francie L. Novar is an experienced legal advocate who knows how to resolve a case in negotiation and how to battle in court when necessary.
Our firm handles a variety of civil matters for individuals in district, circuit, and probate court:
- Abuse and neglect cases
- Breach of contract claims and other general disputes
- Guardianship/conservatorship disputes
- Intentional torts (assault and battery, stealing, infliction of emotional distress, trespassing)
- Involuntary commitment (mental health)
- Juvenile law
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Will contests
Contact Francie L. Novar, PLLC for a free consultation online to get started.
Breach of Contract Disputes
Under Michigan law, a breach of contract occurs when a party to the contract fails to perform their duties as established in the document. Breaches of contract generally fall into one of the following three categories:
- Substantial Performance – If a party’s performance comes very close to what is called for in the contract, they may receive compensation for what was achieved but take a reduction for any failures to meet the precise terms of the contract.
- Material Breach of Contract – This occurs when one party’s performance is deficient and causes harm to the other party in the contract. The harmed party is entitled to compensation for damages.
- Anticipatory Breach of Contract – If, after the contract is made but before the contract begins, one party states they will not be going forward with the contract or takes actions that make performance impossible, they have committed a breach of contract similar to a material breach.
Typically, breaches of contract are resolved by having the breaching party pay a certain amount of damages to the harmed party. Note that there is a statute of limitations, however, to when these cases can be brought up. A party has 6 years to bring forward a breach of contract claim, after which the court will be unlikely to hear the case and order compensation. Contact Francie L. Novar, PLLC for more information on how to navigate a breach of contract dispute in Ann Arbor, MI.
Will Contests
While wills left by a loved one determine important information about how to handle and distribute their assets, they can also introduce complex battles between interested parties. Any person with a legal interest in an estate (can benefit financially) has the standing to contest a will in court. Generally, to contest a will the person must have some pecuniary or beneficial interest in the decedent’s estate that is detrimentally affected by the will.
Such individuals might be heirs who may or may not have been listed in the document or who seek a greater share than written.
Contesting a will involves requesting a judge to invalidate the will. To do so, a person contesting must have legal grounds, such as:
- Lack of testamentary capacity – the testator did not have sufficient mental capacity to execute the will
- Undue influence – another person exerted undue influence over the testator in execution of the will (e.g., unfairly coerced or pressured the testator into signing)
- Fraud – the testator was deceived into signing a will
- Non-conformity with legal requirements – the will fails to conform to the legal requirements of a will, rendering it invalid
The process of will contests can be confusing and stressful from both sides. It is best to work with an experienced lawyer if you are involved with a will contest. Attorney Francie L. Novar is well-versed in family legal matters, civil litigation, and probate court issues, so you can trust that she has the necessary well-rounded experience to help you resolve a will contest.
Let an Experienced Attorney Protect Your Civil Interests
If you are facing a civil litigation matter, contact Francie L. Novar, PLLC for legal support immediately. Whether your case involves $2,000 or $50,000, our firm will help you. An experienced civil litigation attorney can make all the difference in your case, and you can trust that Attorney Francie L. Novar knows how to skillfully assert your rights and interests. Let’s obtain a fair and favorable outcome in your Ann Arbor civil matter today.
Contact Francie L. Novar, PLLC for a free consultation online to get started.
