Breach of the Implied Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing Lawyer in Somerset County, NJ

A breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing is a serious contract claim in New Jersey, governed by common law and the Uniform Commercial Code. If a party to your contract in Somerset County has acted in bad faith to deprive you of its benefits, you need a lawyer. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.

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What Is the Implied Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing in New Jersey?

In every New Jersey contract, the law implies a duty that neither party will do anything to destroy or injure the other’s right to receive the fruits of the agreement. This is the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. It is not an express term written in the contract but is read into it by the courts to ensure justice and prevent one party from acting in bad faith. The covenant requires honesty in fact and the observance of reasonable commercial standards of fair dealing.

Last verified: March 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Somerset Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature

Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm understands how contractual rights are enforced and defended in New Jersey courts. A breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing lawyer Somerset County from our team can analyze whether a party’s conduct, while technically within the contract’s letter, violates its spirit and your reasonable expectations.

Official Legal Resources

New Jersey Statutes (N.J.S.A.) – The official source for New Jersey statutory law, including the Uniform Commercial Code.
Superior Court of New Jersey, Somerset Vicinage – The official court website for filing and procedure information.

Handling a Breach of Covenant Case in Somerset County

Proving a breach requires showing that a party acted with bad faith or improper motive, depriving you of your contractual rights. In Somerset County’s Law Division, these cases follow specific civil litigation tracks. A key local procedural fact is that all civil cases are subject to mandatory Case Management Conferences and the Court’s Early Settlement Program, which can provide an early opportunity for resolution.

Case Evaluation & Demand: Gather all contract documents, communications, and evidence of the bad faith conduct. A formal demand letter is often the first step.
Filing the Complaint: File a civil complaint in the Law Division of the Superior Court in Somerville, specifying the breach of contract and the separate count for breach of the implied covenant.
Case Management & Discovery: Attend the mandatory Case Management Conference. Engage in discovery, including interrogatories, requests for documents, and depositions to build evidence of bad faith.
Early Settlement Panel: Participate in the court’s Early Settlement Program, where a panel of attorneys provides a non-binding evaluation to facilitate settlement.
Motion Practice & Trial: If settlement fails, file motions for summary judgment to narrow issues. Prepare for trial to present evidence of the other party’s bad faith to a judge or jury.

Potential Outcomes and Legal Standards

In Somerset County, a successful claim for breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing can result in compensatory damages, consequential damages, and, in rare cases of egregious conduct, punitive damages. The court may also award attorney’s fees if the breach is tied to a frivolous litigation claim under New Jersey Court Rule 1:4-8.

Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Why Choose Our Firm for Your Contract Dispute

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our combined legal experience spans over 120 years. We have handled thousands of civil and business disputes. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to aggressive and thorough representation for our clients in New Jersey. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, brings a strategic perspective honed from his background as a former prosecutor.

About Mr. Sris

Mr. Sris, Founder and Managing Attorney. Bar Admissions: Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, New York. A former prosecutor, Mr. Sris founded the firm in 1997 and has built a practice focused on litigation, including business disputes and contract claims. He provides strategic oversight for cases involving allegations of bad faith in contractual relationships.

Case Results and Client Advocacy

While specific results for breach of covenant claims in Somerset County are not publicly listed, our firm’s approach to civil litigation is results-oriented. We prepare every case with the goal of achieving a favorable outcome, whether through negotiated settlement, mediation, or trial. For a breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing lawyer near me Somerset County, our local presence and court experience are key assets.

Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Local Presence for Somerset County Clients

We represent clients throughout Somerset County. Our New Jersey location serves clients at the Somerset County courts in Somerville. If you are searching for an affordable breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing lawyer Somerset County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations to discuss your case.

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (732) 651-9900
By appointment only.

We serve communities across Somerset County including Somerville, Bridgewater, Franklin Township, Bound Brook, Hillsborough, Warren Township, Watchung, Bernardsville, and Bedminster. Contact us for a consultation regarding your breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an example of breaching the implied covenant of good faith?

Yes. Examples include a supplier suddenly and unreasonably delaying deliveries to force a price renegotiation, an insurer denying a claim on a technicality without investigation, or a company firing an employee to avoid paying a large earned commission. The key is a lack of honest purpose.

Is the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing the same as a breach of contract?

No. They are separate claims. A breach of contract occurs when a party violates an express term of the agreement. A breach of the implied covenant occurs when a party, while possibly adhering to the literal terms, acts in bad faith to undermine the contract’s purpose. You can sue for both in the same lawsuit.

What damages can I recover for a breach of the implied covenant?

You can typically recover compensatory damages for the financial harm caused by the bad faith conduct, which may include lost profits. In rare cases of malicious or wanton behavior, punitive damages may be available. The goal is to put you in the position you would have been in had the covenant been honored.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit for breach of the implied covenant in New Jersey?

It depends. The statute of limitations is generally six years for claims arising from a written contract under N.J.S.A. 2A:14-1. However, the clock may start from the date you discovered the bad faith act. Consulting a lawyer early is important to protect your rights and avoid missing the deadline.

Can the implied covenant create new contract terms?

No. The covenant cannot be used to rewrite the contract or add substantive terms not agreed upon. Its function is to ensure that the existing terms are performed fairly and in good faith. It acts as a limit on how a party can exercise its discretion under the contract.

Internal Links: For more information, see our New Jersey Civil Litigation Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby counties like Bergen County. For other legal needs in Somerset County, visit our pages for Business Law or Contract Law.

Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current legal guidance regarding your breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing claim in Somerset County.