Contract Disputes
Alleged breach, nonpayment, nonperformance, disputed terms, notice/cure issues, enforcement, and defense.
Home Civil LitigationCivil Litigation
When a dispute threatens your property, business, or finances.
Kevin Gagliano helps Hudson Valley clients with contract disputes, property and title matters, mechanic's liens, escrow and closing disputes, commercial lease conflicts, and other supported civil litigation matters.
If you were served with court papers, received a lien notice, face a closing deadline, or have a contract notice deadline, seek legal advice promptly.
Start With the Problem
What's the dispute?
Civil Litigation Services
Supported matters and representation.
Business & Commercial Disputes
Supported commercial disagreements involving payment, performance, vendors, customers, or agreement-based conflicts.
Real Estate & Property Disputes
Disputes involving ownership, contracts, title, use, closing issues, and other supported real-estate conflicts.
Mechanic's Liens
Representation related to filing, reviewing, challenging, enforcing, discharging, bonding, or resolving construction-related liens.
Escrow & Closing Disputes
Disputes over deposits, escrowed funds, failed transactions, contract contingencies, and closing obligations.
Quiet Title & Title-Related Actions
Matters involving competing claims, title clouds, ownership interests, and requests for judicial clarification.
Commercial Lease Disputes
Business lease defaults, rent or charge disagreements, notice/cure issues, enforcement, and negotiated resolution.
Resolution-First Focus
Not every dispute needs a trial.
Depending on the facts, Kevin may evaluate demand, negotiation, settlement, mediation, or litigation. The goal is to understand the documents, deadlines, risks, and practical objective before choosing the next step.
Demand
Negotiation
Settlement
Court action
Defense of an existing case
New York Guidance
Deadlines and documents matter.
A delay or a missing record can significantly impact your options. Being proactive with documentation is often the best way to protect your position.
Different civil claims have different deadlines.
The written contract or lease is often the starting point.
Mechanic's liens have strict procedural requirements.
Property and title disputes may affect a sale, refinance, or financing.
Attorney's fees are not automatically recoverable in every case.
Settlement may remain possible before or after a lawsuit is filed.
Important emails, texts, contracts, invoices, title documents, and court papers should be preserved.
Direct Attorney Access
Start with the documents and the objective.
Kevin reviews the agreement, communications, court papers, property records, or lien documents to understand what happened and what outcome you are trying to reach.
What to ExpectStep 1 Step 2 Step 3
A practical path forward.
Explain the dispute
Tell Kevin what happened, who is involved, and what is at stake.
Review the documents, deadlines, and evidence
Kevin reviews the contract, communications, court papers, property records, or lien documents to understand the situation and objective.
Choose the practical next step
Depending on the facts, this may involve a demand, negotiation, settlement, court action, or defense of an existing case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Civil litigation questions, answered directly.
Do I need a lawyer for a contract dispute?
A lawyer can review the agreement, identify critical deadlines and notice requirements, evaluate potential claims or defenses, and recommend a practical course of action.
Can a contract dispute be resolved without going to trial?
Yes. Many disputes are resolved through demand letters, direct negotiation, mediation, or settlement agreements before a trial becomes necessary.
Should I send a demand letter before filing a lawsuit?
A formal demand is often a productive first step and may be required by the contract itself. It outlines the issue and demands a specific resolution, potentially avoiding costly litigation.
What is a mechanic's lien, and can it be challenged?
A mechanic's lien is a legal claim against property by someone who provided labor or materials. It must follow strict procedural rules and can often be challenged, discharged, or bonded if improper or disputed.
What is a quiet title action?
A quiet title action is a lawsuit filed to establish a party's title to real property and remove any clouds, competing claims, or defects affecting ownership.
What happens if escrow funds are being withheld?
The release of escrow funds generally depends on the contract terms. If disputed, the escrow agent typically holds the funds until the parties agree or a court issues an order.
I was served with court papers. What should I do?
Do not ignore them. Strict response deadlines apply, which depend on the court and the method of service. Seek legal advice promptly to evaluate defenses and ensure a timely response.
Discuss Your Matter
Tell Kevin what is happening.
A few focused questions help the firm understand the dispute, documents, and next deadline.
Need to speak with someone?
Call (845) 527-6427