In Maryland, when two parties come to a mutually understood agreement that they intend to have legal force, a contract is created. There are both written and oral contracts, since all that is required is that the parties agree and understand each other. Businesses most often prefer the reliability of written contracts in their transactions. These instruments are best written by those with an expertise of the law, since the intent behind a contract is to give it legal effect.

Negotiating a Contract in Chestertown

Along with particular clauses that should be included in every Chestertown contract for it to be valid, it is important to adequately discuss each term to make sure that the intent of each party is understood by the other. Stating your intentions clearly at the outset of negotiations is helpful, since then the parties may carefully detail the obligations and duties of the contract based on mutual expectations. Also, you may want to negotiate a process that can be followed should one party not fulfill its end of the contract.

Using a Form Contract

If an agreement needs a good starting point, you may want to consider a form contract. An attorney in Chestertown,Maryland can add or remove provisions according to the intent of the parties, and even the specific language can be made more comprehensible so that expectations are clear. There are risks to using a contract that neither party has written, particularly if you proceed without the advice 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, 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 Chestertown are experts in Maryland contract law.