When parties to an agreement intend it to have legal effect, that agreement is called a contract. In North Carolina, contracts may be oral or written, as long as both parties have the same understanding of the terms of the agreement. A written contract is usually preferred by most businesses, because that make the agreements more reliable. Contracts may involve legal principles, so they are best formed with a clear understanding of the law.

Negotiating a Contract in Matthews

Negotiating the specific terms of a contract is crucial. There are several terms that should be included in every Matthews contract to ensure that the agreement protects the interests of the parties. The terms of the contract may be determined based on clear expectations if both parties are forthright 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. Attorneys practicing North Carolina law in Matthews can be helpful in selecting the right form, and can also revise the contract to make it the best fit for your distinct situation. However, form contracts can pose problems if they need to be interpreted by courts, especially if they are used without the help of an attorney. First, using a form contract makes it more likely that one of the parties will not have understood the terms. This can lead to them being unaware of their duties under the contract. Second, form contracts often use words and language understood only within the legal community. This may cause parties to agree to a term they don't really understand. Whether you negotiate or use a form, an attorney can help ensure that the written contract matches your intent. Many Attorneys in Matthews are experts in North Carolina contract law.