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 typically 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 Champaign County

There is more to a contract than what is required for it to be valid in Champaign County. 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 Illinois law in Champaign County can be helpful in selecting the right form, and can also revise the contract to make it the best fit for your particular situation. Using a form contract without the advice of an attorney may pose problems. 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, form contracts often contain language that is particular to the field of law, and using forms without an understanding of this language can cause future disagreements over a contract's meaning. Whether you decide to negotiate a contract or use a form contract, an attorney will be able to help you ensure that the written instrument matches your intent. Many lawyers practicing in Champaign County are experts of Illinois contract law.