Business Law Journal

In a pivotal 2025 decision, the California Supreme Court confirmed that businesses can be held to forum selection clauses even if doing so means waiving the procedural right to a jury trial under California law. This holding underscores a critical consideration for contract formation: what may seem like a routine contract clause can significantly alter your legal rights. Businesses must be vigilant during negotiations to ensure dispute resolution terms do not unintentionally undermine their position in future litigation.

In Amundson v. Catello, the California Court of Appeal reversed an order for the partition of property by sale, emphasizing that a clear ownership interest is required for standing to initiate a partition action. The recent decision also examined the limitations on an heir’s ability to act on an expected inheritance, reinforcing that property rights remain uncertain until probate and administration are finalized.