Contract Lawyer in Nassau County, NY
In Nassau County, contract disputes are heard in Small Claims Court (up to $10,000), Civil Court (up to $50,000), or the Supreme Court for unlimited amounts, with the Commercial Division handling complex business cases.
Contract Law in New York
New York contract law is governed by statutes like the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) for sales of goods and the Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR) for procedure. The core principle is that contracts are enforceable promises, and a breach allows the non-breaching party to seek remedies, primarily monetary damages to put them in the position they would have been in had the contract been performed. New York courts generally do not award punitive damages for simple breach of contract.
Last verified: March 2026 | Verify with lead attorney | New York State Legislature
Official Legal Resources
Handling a Contract Case in Nassau County
The process for a contract lawsuit depends on the amount in dispute and the complexity of the case. For matters in Nassau County Supreme Court, full CPLR discovery applies, including depositions and document exchanges.
- Review the contract and gather evidence: Collect the signed contract, all related communications (emails, letters), invoices, and records of performance or non-performance.
- Send a formal demand letter: A detailed letter outlining the breach, the legal basis for your claim, and a specific demand for performance or compensation can sometimes resolve the issue without litigation.
- File a summons and complaint: If the demand is ignored, file initiating papers with the Nassau County Supreme Court. You must pay the index number fee ($210) and serve the defendant properly.
- handle discovery and motion practice: Exchange documents and information through interrogatories, depositions, and requests for admission. Pre-trial motions may address evidence or try to resolve the case.
- Attempt settlement or proceed to trial: Most contract cases settle before trial through negotiation or mediation. If not, the case proceeds to a bench or jury trial where a judge or jury decides the outcome.
Potential Outcomes in a Contract Dispute
In Nassau County, a breach of contract case can result in an award of compensatory and, if foreseeable, consequential damages, but New York generally does not award punitive damages for breach absent an independent tort.
| Remedy | Description | Common Award Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Compensatory Damages | Money to cover direct losses from the breach (e.g., unpaid contract price, cost of cover). | Calculated from contract terms and market values. |
| Consequential Damages | Money for indirect, foreseeable losses (e.g., lost profits from a delayed project). | Must be proven as foreseeable at contract signing. |
| Specific Performance | A court order forcing the breaching party to perform their contractual duty. | Rare; granted only when money damages are inadequate (e.g., unique property). |
| Attorney Fees | Recovery of legal costs. | Only if the contract contains a specific fee-shifting clause. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to each case. Our approach is direct and focused on the specific facts of your contract dispute.
Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has achieved 4,739+ favorable case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our attorneys work to seek resolutions in contract disputes through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Contract Law Representation
Our New York location represents clients at Nassau County courts, accessible via I-495 (LIE) and the Northern/Southern State Parkways. We are a contract law firm near Mineola and serve the Nassau County area and surrounding communities including Garden City, Hempstead, Long Beach, Valley Stream, Hicksville, Levittown, Freeport, Rockville Centre, Glen Cove, Oyster Bay, Great Neck, Massapequa, and Syosset.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New York Location — Buffalo/NY area
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations for breach of contract in New York?
Six years for most written contracts under N.Y. CPLR § 213. The clock starts when the breach occurs or when you discover it, whichever is later.
Can I recover attorney fees in a New York contract lawsuit?
Only if your contract has a specific fee-shifting clause. New York follows the ‘American Rule,’ meaning each side pays its own fees unless a statute or contract says otherwise.
What courts handle contract cases in Nassau County?
Small Claims (up to $10,000), Nassau County Civil Court (up to $50,000), and Nassau County Supreme Court (unlimited). The Supreme Court’s Commercial Division handles complex business disputes.
What are the elements of a breach of contract claim in NY?
You must prove: 1) a valid contract existed, 2) you performed your obligations, 3) the other party failed to perform, and 4) you suffered damages as a result.
What is the difference between compensatory and consequential damages?
Compensatory damages cover direct losses from the breach (e.g., unpaid amounts). Consequential damages cover indirect, foreseeable losses (e.g., lost profits) if the breaching party knew about them when the contract was made.
Related Legal Information
- New York Contract Lawyer – State-wide hub page.
- Albany County Contract Lawyer – Serving a sibling locality.
- Nassau County Business Lawyer – Related practice area in the same locality.
- Mr. Sris Attorney Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-20. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.