A contract in Illinois 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 usually 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 Bourbonnais

There is more to a contract than what is required for it to be valid in Bourbonnais. 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

Form contracts can serve as a good starting point for a sound agreement. Lawyers in Bourbonnais, Illinois often keep past contracts on file, and can add or remove clauses based on the situation. They can also reword the specific language of form contracts to make them more clear. 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, parties using form contracts often do not read all the clauses, and can therefore be unaware of their obligations 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 clause they don't really understand. Lawyers can help ensure that a written contract matches the intent of the parties, whether negotiating a contract or using a form. Illinois contract law is a field in which many Bourbonnais Lawyers have specialized.