What is a Contract?

Find the right Contract Drafting attorney in Santa Cruz, CA

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 usually 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 Santa Cruz

There is more to a contract than what is required for it to be valid in Santa Cruz. The particular 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 Santa Cruz 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, particularly if they are used without the guidance of an attorney. First, a party using a form contract may not have completely read all the terms, and can thereby remain unaware of his performance obligations and liabilities if events do not go as planned. Second, form contracts will often contain language that is difficult to understand outside the legal community. This can cause disagreement over the meaning of a clause. Lawyers can help ensure that a written contract matches the intent of the parties, whether negotiating a contract or using a form. California contract law is a field in which many Santa Cruz Lawyers have specialized.

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Life in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, California is the largest city in, and county seat of, Santa Cruz County. It has a population of about 60,000 people.

Santa Cruz was the location of a Spanish settlement that was established in 1791. Beginning in the mid-20th century, and continuing to this day, Santa Cruz has long been a center of liberal and progressive social activism. In 1992, Santa Cruz, California became one of the first cities in the United States to legalize medical marijuana. The presence of the University of California, Santa Cruz adds to this culture of activism. It is also the largest employer in Santa Cruz, with about 7,000 workers.

UC Santa Cruz does not have a law school, but many of its graduates go on to attend other California law schools, and become successful Santa Cruz, California lawyers.

If you are a resident of Santa Cruz, and are in need of legal help, you can almost certainly find a Santa Cruz, California attorney who can assist you.

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