A contract in California 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. The reliability of written contracts typically make them the preferred means for businesses to transact. Since the intent of a contract is to be legally effective, they are best formed by those who understand the law.

Negotiating a Contract in San Joaquin

There is more to a contract than what is required for it to be valid in San Joaquin. The specific terms of the contract should all be discussed separately so that the intent of each party is understood by the other. Being upfront about your intentions early on can be helpful, because it allows the terms of the contract to be decided based on clear expectations. Lastly, a clause that determines how to handle a dispute under the contract may be worthwhile to negotiate.

Using a Form Contract

Using a form contract as a baseline for your agreement may save you time. Lawyers practicing California law in San Joaquin 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. Whether you negotiate or use a form, an attorney can help ensure that the written contract matches your intent. Many Lawyers in San Joaquin are experts in California contract law.