A contract in Illinois is an agreement about anything 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 Carlinville

There is more to a contract than what is required for it to be valid in Carlinville. The particular terms of the contract should all be discussed separately so that the intent of each party is understood by the other. Being forthright about your intentions early on can be helpful, because it allows the terms of the contract to be determined 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. Attorneys practicing Illinois law in Carlinville can be helpful in selecting the right form, and can also revise the contract to make it the best fit for your distinct situation. If the parties attempt to use a form contract without an attorney's assistance, there may be risks. First, form contracts have the tendency to go unread. Any party who does not carefully review all the contract terms can be left unaware of their obligations under the contract. Second, form contracts often contain language that is specific to the field of law, and using forms without an understanding of this language can cause future disagreements over a contract's meaning. Attorneys 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 Carlinville Attorneys have specialized.