A contract in Iowa is an agreement about something of value between two or more parties who intend the agreement to have legal effect. It may be oral or written, as long as all parties agree to the contractual terms. In business transactions, written contracts are typically preferred for their reliability. These documents are best drafted by those who understand the law, because the very reason for a contract is to legally obligate the parties.

Negotiating a Contract in Council Bluffs

Negotiation of each particular term in a contract is important to ensure that the intent of each party is met. Also, there are certain clauses that should be included in every Council Bluffs contract to give it the desired legal effect. The terms of the contract may be decided based on clear expectations if both parties are upfront about their intentions early on. Also, parties may want to discuss whether they need a provision for resolving any disputes under the contract.

Using a Form Contract

Using a form contract as a baseline for your agreement may save you time. Lawyers practicing Iowa law in Council Bluffs can be helpful in selecting the right form, and can also revise the contract to make it the best fit for your particular situation. If the parties attempt to use a form contract without an attorney's guidance, there may be risks. First, form contracts have the tendency to go unread. Any party who does not carefully review all the contract clauses can be left unaware of their obligations under the contract. Second, using a contract that someone else has written can obligate the parties to a contract clause that they do not understand. An attorney can ensure that a written contract matches the intent of the parties, both with form contracts and in negotiations. In Council Bluffs, many Lawyers specialize in Iowa contract law.