In Michigan, 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. 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 Kentwood

Negotiating the particular terms of a contract is crucial. There are several terms that should be included in every Kentwood contract to ensure that the agreement protects the interests of the parties. 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 Michigan law in Kentwood 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 advice, there may be risks. 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, using a contract that someone else has written can obligate the parties to a contract clause that they do not understand. An attorney can ensure that a written contract matches the intent of the parties, both with form contracts and in negotiations. In Kentwood, many Lawyers specialize in Michigan contract law.