# Flores, PLLC > https://www.floreslegalpllc.com > Last Updated: 2026-07-12 Our Austin business & commercial litigation lawyers bring deep experience in commercial litigation, corporate and business law, cross-border transactions, and corporate immigration law. Whether you are protecting your company in high-stakes courtroom disputes, structuring a complex merger, or expanding your workforce across international borders, Flores, PLLC provides the strategic legal firepower your business needs to thrive. ## Contact - Phone: +1-512-381-8874 - Address: 7500 Rialto Blvd, Suite 270, Austin, TX 78735 ## Locations - Austin, TX - +1-512-381-8874 Areas served: Austin, Houston, Texas, Mexico ## Practice Areas - Business Law - Commercial Litigation - Trade Secret Litigation - Construction Litigation - International & Cross-Border Litigation - Personal Injury Litigation Defense - Corporate & Business Law - Business Formation & Structuring - Corporate Governance & Compliance - Drafting & Negotiating Commercial Agreements - Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) - Joint Ventures - Strategic Alliances & Partnerships ## Attorneys - Melina Flores: https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/melina-flores/ Melina Flores leads Flores, PLLC with extensive experience in business law, corporate immigration, and cross-border transactions serving clients across Texas. - Rey Flores: https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/rey-flores/ Rey Flores brings hands-on litigation experience to Flores, PLLC, representing Texas businesses in complex commercial disputes and employment matters. - Joshua Geesling: https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/joshua-geesling/ Joshua Geesling is an associate attorney and Army veteran with judicial clerkship experience at the Texas Supreme Court and U.S. District Court. He handles commercial, business, and personal injury litigation in Texas. ## Key Pages - Homepage: https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/ - Blog: https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/blog/ - Contact: https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/contact-us/ ## Social Profiles - https://www.facebook.com/p/Flores-PLLC-61576343945453/ - https://www.linkedin.com/company/flores-pllc/ - https://www.yelp.com/biz/flores-austin-5 - https://www.texasbar.com/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Find_A_Lawyer&template=/Customsource/MemberDirectory/MemberDirectoryDetail.cfm&ContactID=342694 ## Reviews - Rating: 5/5 based on 109 reviews ## Practice Area Details ### Austin Business & Commercial Litigation Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/ Our Austin business lawyers at Flores, PLLC bring the expertise, responsiveness, and personal commitment your business deserves. Call us today at 512-381-8874. ### Austin Business Formation & Structuring Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/austin-business-formation-structuring-lawyer/ At Flores, PLLC, our Austin business lawyer is committed to helping businesses lay a strong foundation and navigate the complexities of corporate law. ### Austin Commercial Litigation Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/austin-commercial-litigation-lawyer/ At Flores, PLLC, our Austin TX commercial litigation practice is built on one principle: your business deserves strategic, decisive advocacy that protects its most critical interests. ### Austin Construction Litigation Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/austin-construction-litigation-lawyer/ At Flores, PLLC, our Austin construction litigation lawyers try construction cases to judges, juries, and arbitrators across Texas. ### Austin Corporate & Business Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/austin-corporate-business-lawyer/ Our Austin corporate & business lawyer advises clients on entity formation, corporate governance, complex transactions, M&A, and strategic partnerships. ### Austin Corporate Governance & Compliance Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/austin-corporate-governance-compliance-lawyer/ Contact an Austin corporate governance & compliance lawyer at Flores, PLLC, today to share your vision for the future and learn how we can help. ### Austin Drafting & Negotiating Commercial Agreements Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/austin-drafting-negotiating-commercial-agreements-lawyer/ Our firm ensures that every agreement serves your strategic interests. Contact an Austin commercial agreements lawyer at Flores, PLLC, today ### Austin International & Cross-Border Litigation Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/austin-international-cross-border-litigation-lawyer/ Flores, PLLC represents domestic and international businesses in Austin complex international and cross-border litigation matters throughout Texas. ### Austin Joint Ventures, Strategic Alliances & Partnerships Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/austin-joint-ventures-strategic-alliances-partnerships-lawyer/ At Flores, PLLC, our Austin joint venture, alliances & partnerships lawyer provides comprehensive legal guidance to ensure a strong foundation for success. ### Austin Personal Injury Litigation Defense Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/austin-personal-injury-litigation-defense-lawyer/ At Flores, PLLC, our personal injury litigation lawyers defend companies facing their most serious exposure: wrongful death and catastrophic personal injury claims. ### Austin Trade Secret Litigation Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/austin-trade-secret-litigation-lawyer/ At Flores, PLLC, our Austin trade secret litigation lawyers represent companies in their most sensitive and high-stakes trade secret disputes. ### Austin Real Estate Business Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/austin-real-estate-business-lawyer/ Flores, PLLC counsels Austin real estate businesses on acquisitions, leasing, joint ventures, entity structuring, and commercial transaction disputes. ### Austin SaaS Business Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/austin-saas-business-lawyer/ Flores, PLLC advises Austin SaaS businesses on subscription agreements, data privacy, licensing structures, and the commercial contracts critical to growth. ### Austin Startup Business Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/austin-startup-business-lawyer/ Flores, PLLC helps Austin startups structure their business, secure funding, protect IP, and navigate the legal complexities of early-stage business growth. ### Houston Commercial Litigation Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/houston-commercial-litigation-lawyer/ Flores, PLLC handles Houston commercial litigation involving contract disputes, business torts, trade secret claims, and complex multi-party conflicts. ### Houston Construction Litigation Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/houston-construction-litigation-lawyer/ Flores, PLLC represents Houston construction companies, owners, and contractors in payment disputes, defect claims, and project-related legal conflicts. ### Houston Corporate Governance & Compliance Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/houston-corporate-governance-compliance-lawyer/ Flores, PLLC builds governance and compliance frameworks for Houston companies, reducing regulatory exposure and strengthening organizational accountability. ### Houston Family Business Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/houston-family-business-lawyer/ Flores, PLLC counsels Houston family-owned businesses on succession planning, ownership transitions, governance frameworks, and business dispute resolution. ### Houston Healthcare Business Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/houston-healthcare-business-lawyer/ Flores, PLLC advises Houston healthcare businesses on provider contracting, regulatory compliance, joint ventures, and employment matters for the industry. ### Houston Joint Ventures & Strategic Alliances Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/houston-joint-ventures-strategic-alliances-lawyer/ Flores, PLLC structures joint ventures and strategic alliances for Houston businesses, drafting agreements that define responsibilities and shared objectives. ### Houston Real Estate Business Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/houston-real-estate-business-lawyer/ Flores, PLLC serves Houston real estate businesses with legal support on commercial acquisitions, leasing, entity structuring, and transaction disputes. ### Houston Startup Business Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/houston-startup-business-lawyer/ Flores, PLLC helps Houston startups with entity formation, founder agreements, investor relationships, and the legal frameworks that support sustainable growth. ### Houston Trade Secret Litigation Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/houston-trade-secret-litigation-lawyer/ Flores, PLLC protects Houston businesses from trade secret theft, pursuing injunctive relief and damages to safeguard your company's competitive advantages. ### Texas Commercial Litigation Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/texas-commercial-litigation-lawyer/ Flores, PLLC handles Texas commercial litigation including contract claims, business torts, trade disputes, and complex multi-party commercial conflicts. ### Texas Construction Litigation Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/texas-construction-litigation-lawyer/ Flores, PLLC represents Texas construction industry clients in payment disputes, defect litigation, delay claims, and subcontractor disagreements statewide. ### Texas Corporate & Business Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/texas-corporate-business-lawyer/ Flores, PLLC provides Texas corporations and businesses with comprehensive legal services covering governance, contracts, compliance, and transactions. ### Texas Family Business Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/texas-family-business-lawyer/ Flores, PLLC helps Texas family-owned businesses navigate succession planning, ownership transitions, governance structures, and inter-family conflicts. ### Texas Healthcare Business Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/texas-healthcare-business-lawyer/ Flores, PLLC guides Texas healthcare businesses through provider contracting, regulatory compliance, joint ventures, and the legal challenges of the sector. ### Texas Joint Ventures & Strategic Alliances Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/texas-joint-ventures-strategic-alliances-lawyer/ Flores, PLLC structures joint ventures and strategic alliances for Texas companies, drafting agreements that protect partner interests and shared objectives. ### Texas Personal Injury Litigation Defense Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/texas-personal-injury-litigation-defense-lawyer/ Flores, PLLC defends Texas businesses against personal injury litigation, protecting company assets and reputation through skilled courtroom advocacy. ### Texas Real Estate Business Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/texas-real-estate-business-lawyer/ Flores, PLLC serves Texas real estate businesses with legal counsel on commercial transactions, leasing structures, entity formation, and real estate disputes. ### Texas SaaS Business Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/texas-saas-business-lawyer/ Flores, PLLC advises Texas SaaS companies on subscription agreements, licensing terms, data privacy obligations, and commercial contracts critical to scaling. ### Texas Startup Business Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/texas-startup-business-lawyer/ Flores, PLLC helps Texas startups build strong legal foundations through entity formation, founder agreements, equity structures, and investor management. ### Travis County Business Formation & Structuring Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/travis-county-business-formation-structuring-lawyer/ Flores, PLLC guides Travis County entrepreneurs through business formation and structuring, selecting the right entity type for long-term operational success. ### Travis County Commercial Litigation Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/travis-county-commercial-litigation-lawyer/ Flores, PLLC handles Travis County commercial litigation across industries, providing strategic representation in contract, business tort, and trade disputes. ### Travis County Construction Litigation Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/travis-county-construction-litigation-lawyer/ Flores, PLLC represents Travis County construction industry clients in payment disputes, defect claims, delay damages, and subcontractor disagreements. ### Travis County Corporate & Business Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/travis-county-corporate-business-lawyer/ Flores, PLLC serves Travis County corporations and businesses with comprehensive legal counsel covering governance, contracts, compliance, and transactions. ### Travis County Corporate Governance & Compliance Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/travis-county-corporate-governance-compliance-lawyer/ Flores, PLLC advises Travis County companies on building strong corporate governance frameworks and implementing effective compliance programs statewide. ### Travis County Drafting & Negotiating Commercial Agreements Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/travis-county-drafting-negotiating-commercial-agreements-lawyer/ Flores, PLLC handles drafting and negotiating commercial agreements for Travis County clients, ensuring contracts align with business goals and legal standards. ### Travis County Family Business Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/travis-county-family-business-lawyer/ Flores, PLLC helps Travis County family businesses with succession planning, ownership transitions, governance structures, and inter-family dispute resolution. ### Travis County Healthcare Business Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/travis-county-healthcare-business-lawyer/ Flores, PLLC guides Travis County healthcare businesses through regulatory compliance, provider agreements, joint ventures, and employment-related matters. ### Travis County International & Cross-Border Litigation Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/travis-county-international-cross-border-litigation-lawyer/ Flores, PLLC handles Travis County international and cross-border litigation, navigating complex jurisdictional issues and foreign law for Texas companies. ### Travis County Joint Ventures Strategic Alliances & Partnerships Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/travis-county-joint-ventures-strategic-alliances-partnerships-lawyer/ Flores, PLLC structures joint ventures, strategic alliances, and partnerships for Travis County businesses, drafting agreements that protect each party. ### Travis County Personal Injury Litigation Defense Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/travis-county-personal-injury-litigation-defense-lawyer/ Flores, PLLC defends Travis County businesses against personal injury litigation, protecting company assets through rigorous defense strategies. ### Travis County Real Estate Business Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/travis-county-real-estate-business-lawyer/ Flores, PLLC serves Travis County real estate businesses with legal counsel on commercial transactions, leasing, entity structuring, and contract disputes. ### Travis County Startup Business Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/travis-county-startup-business-lawyer/ Flores, PLLC helps Travis County startups navigate entity formation, equity agreements, investor relations, and the legal challenges of early-stage growth. ### Texas International & Cross-Border Litigation Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/texas-international-cross-border-litigation-lawyer/ At Flores, PLLC, we represent domestic and international companies in complex Texas international and cross-border disputes. Our firm provides strategic, trial-ready advocacy. ### Houston Corporate & Business Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/houston-corporate-business-lawyer/ Flores, PLLC serves Houston corporations and businesses with full-service legal counsel covering governance, transactions, compliance, and commercial disputes. ### Houston International & Cross-Border Litigation Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/houston-international-cross-border-litigation-lawyer/ Flores, PLLC represents domestic and international businesses in Houston complex international and cross-border litigation matters throughout Texas ### Mexican & Latin American Client Business Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/mexican-latin-american-client-business-lawyer/ Our Mexican & Latin American client business lawyer offers tailored solutions that address the challenges of cross-border operations while ensuring compliance. ### Mexico Corporate & Business Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/mexico-corporate-business-lawyer/ Whether you are establishing a new business in Mexico, negotiating a joint venture, or managing regulatory compliance, Flores, PLLC can help. ### Austin Family Business Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/austin-family-business-lawyer/ Flores, PLLC helps Austin family businesses address succession planning, ownership transitions, buy-sell agreements, and intergenerational governance needs. ### Mexico International & Cross-Border Litigation Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/mexico-international-cross-border-litigation-lawyer/ The Mexico international & cross-border litigation lawyers at Flores, PLLC represent businesses involved in international and cross-border disputes between Mexico and the United States. ### Austin Healthcare Business Lawyer https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/austin-healthcare-business-lawyer/ Flores, PLLC guides Austin healthcare businesses through compliance, contracting, and the complex regulatory landscape facing healthcare companies in Texas. ## Recent Articles ### Why Corporate Governance Matters from Day One: Building a Strong Foundation https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/why-corporate-governance-matters-from-day-one-building-a-strong-foundation/ (2026-07-10) If you are launching a new venture or revisiting your company’s governance framework, contact Flores, PLLC to ensure your business is positioned for long-term success. ### Choosing Between a Foreign Subsidiary and Joint Venture for International Expansion https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/choosing-between-a-foreign-subsidiary-and-joint-venture-for-international-expansion/ (2026-06-26) The attorneys at Flores, PLLC assist businesses with cross-border transactions, corporate structuring, international joint ventures, and regulatory compliance. ### Structuring Cross-Border Businesses: Key Considerations for International Expansion https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/structuring-cross-border-businesses-key-considerations-for-international-expansion/ (2026-06-19) The legal team at Flores, PLLC provides strategic guidance to businesses navigating cross-border transactions, international joint ventures, corporate structuring, and regulatory compliance. ### Corporate Compliance Audits: How Regular Reviews Strengthen Your Business https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/corporate-compliance-audits-how-regular-reviews-strengthen-your-business/ (2026-06-12) Contact Flores, PLLC to discuss a review process that helps strengthen your business while reducing avoidable legal exposure. ### International Commercial Contracts: Protecting Your Business Across Borders https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/international-commercial-contracts-protecting-your-business-across-borders/ (2026-06-05) The attorneys at Flores, PLLC provide strategic legal support for businesses engaged in international transactions, cross-border partnerships, and complex commercial agreements. ### Flores, PLLC’s Rey Flores Recognized in Chambers USA 2026 https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/flores-pllcs-rey-flores-recognized-in-chambers-usa-2026/ (2026-06-04) We are proud to announce that Rey Flores, Litigation Partner at Flores, PLLC, has been recognized in the Chambers USA 2026 guide. Chambers and Partners is the most respected independent legal ranking organization in the world. ### Preparing for Site Visits and Immigration Audits: Protecting Your Business https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/preparing-for-site-visits-and-immigration-audits-protecting-your-business/ (2026-05-29) If your company wants to strengthen employment verification practices, prepare for site visits, or respond to an immigration audit with a clearer strategy, Flores, PLLC can help. ### Managing Legal Risk in Cross-Border Transactions https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/managing-legal-risk-in-cross-border-transactions/ (2026-05-22) Contact Flores, PLLC to discuss how to structure your next transaction with a clearer view of legal and operational risk. ### Flores, PLLC Adds Joshua Geesling to Litigation Team https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/flores-pllc-adds-joshua-geesling-to-litigation-team/ (2026-05-18) Flores, PLLC welcomes Joshua Geesling as an Associate Attorney. A Texas Supreme Court and federal court clerk, Army veteran, and summa cum laude Texas Tech law graduate, Josh strengthens the firm's complex litigation practice. ### Asset vs. Stock Purchase Agreements: Strategic Considerations for Buyers and Sellers https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/asset-vs-stock-purchase-agreements-strategic-considerations-for-buyers-and-sellers/ (2026-05-15) In middle-market transactions, one of the earliest structural decisions often has the longest tail: should the deal be documented as an asset purchase or a stock purchase? For business owners, executives, and in-house decision-makers, the answer is rarely just a legal preference. It affects tax trea... ## Frequently Asked Questions Q: Can I sue a foreign company in Austin? A: Possibly. Courts evaluate whether the foreign entity has sufficient contacts with Texas to justify jurisdiction. This analysis depends on the nature of the company’s business activities, contractual relationships, and connections to the state. Q: What if my contract includes a foreign arbitration clause? A: If an enforceable arbitration agreement governs the dispute, the matter may proceed through arbitration rather than traditional litigation. Arbitration awards may later be confirmed and enforced in Texas courts under applicable law. Q: How are foreign judgments recognized in Texas? A: Texas courts may recognize foreign-country judgments if statutory requirements are satisfied and certain defenses do not apply. Evaluating enforceability before initiating litigation is an important strategic step. Q: Does international litigation take longer than domestic cases? A: Cross-border disputes can involve additional procedural steps, such as international service of process or coordination with foreign counsel. Strategic planning at the outset helps manage timing and cost. Q: Why is cross-border experience important? A: International disputes involve differences in legal systems, procedural rules, and enforcement mechanisms. Counsel familiar with multi-jurisdictional litigation can anticipate challenges and structure a strategy that accounts for those complexities. Q: Does a breach of contract claim require a written agreement in Texas? A: No. While written contracts are easier to enforce and leave less room for dispute about terms, Texas law recognizes oral contracts, implied contracts, and agreements evidenced through the parties' conduct. Certain types of contracts, including those involving real estate, agreements that cannot be performed within one year, and some loan agreements, must be in writing under the Statute of Frauds. Outside those categories, a verbal agreement can be fully enforceable if the essential elements o... Q: What damages can I recover in a Texas breach of contract case? A: Texas breach of contract claims can support recovery of direct damages representing the benefit of the bargain you lost, consequential damages for foreseeable losses caused by the breach, and attorney's fees in many commercial contract cases under the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code. Punitive damages are generally not available for breach of contract alone but may be recoverable if the breach is accompanied by fraud or other independent tortious conduct. Q: How long do I have to file a breach of contract lawsuit in Texas? A: For written contracts, Texas generally imposes a four-year statute of limitations. For oral contracts, the limitations period is four years as well under most circumstances. However, specific contract types and specific facts can alter this timeline. The clock typically begins to run when the breach occurs, though accrual rules can be complex. Delaying an evaluation of your legal options creates real risk, and early consultation with an attorney helps ensure you do not inadvertently forfeit v... Q: Can I recover attorney's fees if I win a breach of contract case in Texas? A: Yes, under Chapter 38 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, a prevailing party in a breach of contract case may recover reasonable attorney's fees. There are procedural requirements that must be satisfied, including presenting the claim in a timely manner. This fee-shifting provision is an important strategic consideration in any commercial dispute and can significantly affect settlement negotiations and litigation decisions on both sides of a case. Q: What is the difference between a material breach and a minor breach? A: A material breach is one that is significant enough to excuse the non-breaching party from their own performance obligations and entitle them to sue for damages. A minor, or partial, breach does not excuse the other side from performance but may still give rise to a damages claim for the specific harm caused. Texas courts weigh several factors in making this determination, including the degree of non-performance, the likelihood that the breaching party will cure, and the extent to which the b... Q: Should I try to resolve a contract dispute before filing a lawsuit? A: In most cases, pre-suit demand and negotiation are worth pursuing before initiating litigation. Texas courts look favorably on parties who make reasonable good-faith efforts to resolve disputes, and many commercial contracts include mandatory notice and cure provisions or dispute resolution procedures that must be followed before suit can be filed. Importantly, pre-suit strategy can also preserve business relationships that have value beyond the immediate dispute. Our attorneys help clients a... Q: What should I do to preserve a breach of contract claim from the moment I discover a problem? A: Documentation is critical from the first moment a party fails to perform. Preserve all communications, invoices, delivery records, and internal notes related to the contract and the breach. Avoid oral modifications or agreements that could complicate your legal position. Do not destroy or alter records, even informally, as spoliation can create serious legal problems. Consulting with a commercial litigation attorney early, before you respond formally to the breaching party, allows you to shap... Q: Who can file a mechanic's lien in Texas? A: General contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, architects, engineers, and certain other parties who contribute labor, materials, or professional services to a construction project may have lien rights under Texas law. The specific notice and filing requirements vary significantly depending on your role in the project hierarchy, so it is critical to understand your position in the payment chain before taking any action. Q: How long do I have to file a mechanic's lien in Texas? A: Deadlines depend on your role in the project. For original contractors, the lien affidavit must generally be filed by the 15th day of the fourth calendar month after the work was completed, terminated, or abandoned. For subcontractors and suppliers, the deadline is the 15th day of the fourth month after the unpaid work or material was delivered. Missing these deadlines almost always results in forfeiture of lien rights. Q: What is a fund-trapping notice and do I need to send one? A: A fund-trapping notice is a statutory notice sent by a subcontractor or supplier to the property owner and general contractor, informing them that funds are owed for work performed. Under Texas law, subcontractors who do not have a direct contract with the property owner must send these notices monthly to preserve their lien rights. The notice must be sent by the 15th day of the third month following each month in which the claimant performed unpaid work or delivered unpaid materials. Q: Can a property owner bond around a mechanic's lien? A: Yes. Texas law allows property owners to obtain a lien release bond, also called an indemnity bond or a lien discharge bond, that substitutes the bond for the lien on the property. This allows a sale or refinancing to proceed while the underlying payment dispute is resolved separately. The bond must typically be in an amount equal to one and a half times the claimed lien amount. Q: What happens if a mechanic's lien was filed incorrectly? A: A defective lien can be challenged and invalidated through litigation. Common grounds include improper notice, incorrect or missing information in the lien affidavit, late filing, or failure to identify the property correctly. If the lien is found to be fraudulent rather than merely defective, the property owner may be entitled to additional damages and attorney's fees under Texas law. Q: Does Texas allow mechanic's liens on homestead properties? A: Texas has specific constitutional protections for homestead properties that impose additional requirements on contractors who wish to assert lien rights against a homestead. The homeowner and the contractor must enter into a written contract before work begins, and that contract must meet specific requirements, including being signed by both spouses if the property is community property. Liens that do not comply with homestead lien requirements are generally unenforceable. Q: What is the difference between a mechanic's lien and a materialman's lien in Texas? A: In Texas, the terms are often used interchangeably under the umbrella of the statutory lien framework in Chapter 53 of the Texas Property Code. The same lien statute covers those who provide labor, those who provide materials, and certain design professionals, all under a unified procedural framework. The practical distinctions that matter most relate to your position in the contract chain and the specific notice requirements that apply to your role. Q: Are non-compete agreements enforceable in Texas? A: Yes, Texas enforces non-compete agreements when they meet the requirements of the Texas Covenants Not to Compete Act. The agreement must be ancillary to an otherwise enforceable agreement, supported by consideration, and reasonable in geographic scope, duration, and the scope of activity restricted. Courts may reform unreasonable restrictions rather than voiding the agreement entirely. Q: What consideration is required to support a non-compete in Texas? A: In the employment context, Texas courts have recognized that access to trade secrets, confidential information, and specialized training can constitute adequate consideration for a non-compete. Initial employment itself has been found sufficient in some cases. The consideration question is often one of the first points of attack in challenging an agreement's enforceability, and the analysis is fact-specific. Q: Can my former employer get an injunction to stop me from working at a new job? A: Potentially, yes. Texas courts can grant temporary restraining orders and temporary injunctions in non-compete cases when an employer demonstrates a probable right to relief and probable irreparable harm. These proceedings move quickly, and having experienced legal representation from the moment you receive a demand letter or lawsuit is critical to your ability to oppose emergency relief effectively. Q: How long and how broad can a non-compete be under Texas law? A: Texas courts typically look at whether the duration and geographic scope are no greater than necessary to protect a legitimate business interest. Two years is commonly seen as an acceptable duration, though shorter periods may be appropriate in some contexts. Geographic scope must be tied to the actual area where the employee worked or had relationships, not simply whatever the employer prefers. Q: Does the FTC's proposed non-compete ban apply in Texas? A: The FTC issued a rule that would have broadly prohibited most non-compete agreements, but that rule has faced substantial legal challenges in federal courts. As of the most recent available information, the rule has not taken effect, and Texas employers continue to operate under state law. The legal landscape around federal non-compete regulation remains in flux, making current legal counsel especially important. Q: What should I do if I receive a cease-and-desist letter about a non-compete? A: Do not ignore it, and do not respond without legal counsel. A cease-and-desist letter is often the precursor to a lawsuit and an emergency injunction request. How you respond, or fail to respond, in the early days can affect the trajectory of any subsequent litigation significantly. A thoughtful, legally informed response can sometimes resolve the dispute without litigation. --- Detailed version — see https://www.floreslegalpllc.com/llms.txt for summary Generated by MileMark Schema Pro