Question 1

What should I do if the other party breaches our contract?

Accepted Answer

First, document everything and review the contract terms regarding notice, cure periods, and remedies. We help evaluate your leverage, calculate damages, and determine the most practical path, whether that's a demand letter, negotiation, mediation, or litigation. Our goal is always a business-friendly resolution that minimizes disruption.

Question 2

How much will it cost to pursue a contract dispute?

Accepted Answer

We offer flat-fee demand packages and transparent pricing for most contract matters. Many cases resolve through negotiation without court. When litigation is necessary, we provide clear budgets and strategic advice so you can make informed decisions about whether the potential recovery justifies the investment.

Question 3

Can I get attorney fees if I win a contract dispute?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the contract language. Many well-drafted agreements include prevailing party attorney fee provisions. We review your contract and advise you on the likelihood of recovering fees, which can significantly impact the economics of pursuing or defending a claim.

Question 4

I haven't been paid for work I completed. What are my options?

Accepted Answer

You likely have strong remedies including mechanic's liens, bond claims (on public projects), and breach of contract claims. We can send a formal demand letter, file a lien, and pursue collection through negotiation or litigation. Speed is important because lien deadlines in Utah are strict.

Question 5

The contractor wants more money than we agreed. What now?

Accepted Answer

Change order and scope disputes are common. We review the original agreement, any written change orders, course of performance, and industry standards to determine what is truly owed. Most of these matters resolve through structured negotiation once both sides understand their legal position.

Question 6

How long do I have to file a mechanic's lien in Utah?

Accepted Answer

For private projects, you generally have 90 days from the last day you furnished labor or materials. Public projects have different bonding requirements. We help clients meet all deadlines and maximize their recovery options.

Question 7

What makes a contract enforceable in Utah?

Accepted Answer

A valid contract requires offer, acceptance, consideration, and mutual intent. We ensure your agreements are clearly written, contain all necessary terms (scope, payment, timeline, termination, dispute resolution), and comply with Utah law. We also add protective clauses that prevent common disputes.

Question 8

Should I use a template I found online?

Accepted Answer

Generally no. Generic templates often miss key protections, use outdated language, or contain provisions that don't apply to your situation or industry. We create customized contracts that actually protect your specific business and reflect current Utah law.

Question 9

How do I protect myself when hiring contractors or vendors?

Accepted Answer

Strong independent contractor agreements, proper insurance requirements, clear scope of work, milestone payments, and termination rights are essential. We draft agreements that reduce your risk of misclassification claims, payment disputes, and liability for the contractor's actions.

Question 10

Should I form an LLC or a corporation for my Utah business?

Accepted Answer

For most Utah small and mid-size businesses, an LLC offers the best mix of liability protection, tax flexibility, and simplicity. Corporations make sense in specific situations, like raising outside investment. We walk through your ownership, tax, and growth plans and set up the entity that actually fits your situation rather than the default.

Question 11

Do I really need an operating agreement if Utah doesn't require one?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Without an operating agreement, Utah's default LLC rules decide what happens when owners disagree about money, management, or leaving the business, and those defaults rarely match what the founders would have chosen. A clear agreement covering ownership, decision-making, deadlock, and exits is the cheapest dispute prevention you can buy.

Question 12

What does business formation cost?

Accepted Answer

We offer flat-fee formation packages, so you know the total cost up front. The fee depends on how many owners you have and how much customization your operating agreement needs. Either way, you get documents designed to prevent disputes rather than template filings anyone can submit.

Question 13

How is outside general counsel different from hiring a full-time in-house lawyer?

Accepted Answer

You get the same high-level strategic advice and day-to-day support without the overhead of salary, benefits, or office space. We work as an extension of your team, available by phone, email, or in person as needed. Many clients find this more cost-effective and flexible.

Question 14

What kinds of issues do you help with on a monthly retainer?

Accepted Answer

Contract review, employment matters, customer disputes, vendor negotiations, compliance questions, risk assessment, and general business advice. Having us on retainer means you can pick up the phone before small problems become expensive ones.

Question 15

How much does outside general counsel cost?

Accepted Answer

We offer flexible monthly retainers starting at a few hours per month. The exact scope is customized to your business size and needs. Most clients find the predictable cost provides significant peace of mind and prevents much more expensive problems down the road.

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Contract Disputes

Contractor & Payment Disputes

Business Contracts

Outside General Counsel

Business Formation

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W&A, PLLC — Business Contracts, Contractor Disputes & Outside Counsel in Utah