Breach of Contract: Age Discrimination

I publish illustrative scenarios prepared by my practice. All participants and conversations are fictional. The fictional posts are not posts by real users, accounts of client experiences, or reports of actual results.
Illustrative scenario prepared by my practice.
For informational purposes only. This is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Hypothetical question

Sorry for the wall of text. I'm dealing with a situation and need some guidance.

ghostwriter wants credit. I've been dealing with this for about 3 months now and the situation isn't improving.

The contract was signed 13 months ago. I have a copy of the original agreement. The total amount in dispute is approximately $123,000.

What's the typical outcome in situations like this?

Illustrative response

Non-compete agreements are increasingly unenforceable. California bans them entirely. The FTC proposed a nationwide ban (though it's been challenged). Check your state's specific rules before assuming you're bound.