When parties to an agreement intend it to have legal effect, that agreement is called a contract. In Mississippi, contracts might be oral or written, as long as both parties have the same understanding of the terms of the agreement. Most businesses want to solidify their agreements in writing so that they can rely on them in the future. Since many legal principles might be involved, drafting a contract works best when done with as much knowledge of the law as possible.

Negotiating a Contract in Booneville

There is more to a contract than what is required for it to be valid in Booneville. The individual 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 Mississippi law in Booneville can be helpful in selecting the right form, and can also revise the contract to make it the best fit for your individual situation. If the parties attempt to use a form contract without an attorney's advice, there may be risks. First, using a form contract makes it more likely that one of the parties will not have understood the clauses. This can lead to them being unaware of their duties 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. With either a negotiated contract or a form, an attorney can ensure that the written document matches the intent of each party. Lawyers in Booneville often specialize in Mississippi contract law.