Documents simply signed through the course of usual business may still be considered contracts. Purchase orders, receipts, sales agreements and others can be held legally binding under certain circumstances. As a legally binding agreement, a contract must be fully understood in order for its legal consequences to be appreciated. Not expecting a contract's enforcement is usually no excuse under the law.

How Can I Ensure a Contract is Good?

Reading a document before you sign it is obviously the cardinal rule. The clauses outlining your duties under the contract are especially worthy of special attention. However, documents can often be too long for a worthwhile read, or so commonplace that reading each one is not practical. Luckily, there are other way to make sure the contract is correct. An attorney in Caribou, Maine can review any standardized documents that are signed during routine business, and can also look over any individual contract before you sign it. As they review contracts, Lawyers ensure that the written documents match the intent of their clients.

What if I Don't Understand a Contract in Maine?

Although contracts are expressed in words, the agreement itself is what matters. Regardless of the language, parties to a contract are usually legally bound only according to their understanding of the contract. Since you will be bound by your understanding of a contract, it is unwise to rely too much on the other party's representation of your duties. A neutral third party in Caribou can be hired to review and explain the contract. Regardless of how complicated the negotiations in a particular field may be, giving the intent of the parties legal effect is the objective of all contracts under Maine law.