Hold them to their word.
A deal you shook on, a deposit for something that never came, a partner who walked away from what they promised. When someone breaks an agreement and it costs you, you can hold them to it. Written, emailed, or verbal, a deal is a deal. Just tell Sophie what happened, and Squabble turns it into the right next step.
A breach-of-contract claim is a small-claims case for money when someone fails to do what they agreed to: pay you, deliver something, or hold up their end of a deal. The agreement doesn't have to be a formal document: a signed contract, an email thread, a text exchange, or a clear verbal deal can all be enforceable. Squabble turns that into court-ready action: a custom demand letter, the file-ready document set, optional service of process, and support, without hiring a lawyer. Important: small claims covers amounts within your state's limit (commonly $2,500-$25,000).
You're not alone.
Most broken-agreement claims follow a familiar shape. Find yours below, then tell Sophie what happened, in plain English.
A broken written agreement
A signed contract or order someone simply didn't honor.
A deal made over text or email
A clear agreement in writing that they backed out of.
A verbal or handshake deal
A spoken agreement you both relied on, and they broke.
A deposit or prepayment lost
You paid toward something that was never delivered.
They changed the terms on you
A different price or scope, or moved goalposts after you agreed.
Money promised, never paid
A reimbursement, a split, or a payout they agreed to and never sent.
However you made the deal, the playbook is the same.
On paper, over email, or with a handshake, if someone broke an agreement and it cost you within your state's limit, the path to recovery looks the same.
Don't see your agreement? You're still covered. Tell Sophie what happened and we'll take it from there.
You kept your word.
Make them keep theirs.
A promise you relied on, a deposit you can't get back. When someone breaks an agreement and won't make it right, you don't need a lawyer to enforce it. Squabble turns it into a court-ready demand, backed by the filing set.
From dispute to done, in three steps.
No forms to decipher, no lawyer to retain. Tell Sophie what happened and Squabble takes it from there.
Tell Sophie what happened
Answer a few plain-English questions about the deal: what was agreed, how they broke it, and what it cost you.
We prepare your documents
Squabble generates a custom demand letter and, if you choose, the court-ready paperwork built for your jurisdiction.
Send, file, or settle
Put the other party on notice, file with the court, or move toward settlement, with support at every step.
Know your case before you spend a dollar in court.
Contract claims turn on the details: what was actually agreed, the evidence that proves it, and what the breach cost you. The Case Brief (Custom) is a case-education and organization product that helps you understand your claim and prepare your materials, drawn from your complete intake.
- Attorney/Professor drafted*
- Know your case before you settle or appear
- Generated from your complete intake
* Ordering a Case Brief does not form an attorney-client relationship. It does NOT provide: (i) legal advice and (ii) any opinion on the merits of a case.
Case Brief
Available on its own or with any path.
Every contract claim starts with a free demand letter.
Tell Sophie what happened and get a custom demand letter generated from your intake. No account, no payment. If you want to go further, you choose your path after you see your case: court-ready pressure, full filing, or dedicated support.
Start with Sophie →Paid paths: Credible Threat $128 · File Now $238 · Dedicated Case Agent $398. Compare paths →
Free to start · ~6 minutes · Attorney-founded · No legal jargon
What backs up a contract claim.
The more you document, the clearer your case. Gather these while it's fresh, and tell Sophie what happened.
Know your rights in a broken deal.
Plain-English guidance for enforcing a broken agreement: what to do, what to gather, and where to turn.
How small claims works
What small claims court is, how a service dispute flows from filing to hearing, and what to expect.
Read the guide →Find your court & limits
Small-claims dollar limits and the right court vary by state. Squabble identifies your jurisdiction and venue automatically.
Check your state →Contracts & what they require
Even a text thread or emailed proposal can be an enforceable agreement. Know what makes a service contract binding.
Know the rules →Licensing & complaint boards
Many professions, from accountants to movers, have a state board or regulator that takes complaints alongside a claim.
Find the regulator →Deadlines & statute of limitations
How long you have to file depends on your state and whether your agreement was written or oral. Don't wait to find out.
Understand deadlines →Document your dispute
A simple checklist of the records that make a service case strong, and when to gather them.
Get the checklist →Squabble is attorney-founded and attorney-supervised. It is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or representation; using Squabble does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws, filing deadlines, and small-claims limits vary by state. Verify the rules for your jurisdiction. This page is general information only.
Breach of contract FAQ.
Can I sue for breach of contract in small claims court?
Is a verbal or handshake agreement enforceable?
How much can I sue for?
What do I have to prove?
What if our deal was only over text or email?
Do I have to send a demand letter first?
What evidence do I need?
How long do I have to file?
Just tell Sophie what happened.
A few plain-English questions. Get your free custom demand letter and see the right next step for your broken agreement.