When parties to an agreement intend it to have legal effect, that agreement is called a contract. In Mississippi, contracts may 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 may be involved, drafting a contract works best when done with as much knowledge of the law as possible.

Negotiating a Contract in Columbia

There is more to a contract than what is required for it to be valid in Columbia. The specific terms of the contract should all be discussed separately so that the intent of each party is understood by the other. Being forthright about your intentions early on can be helpful, because it allows the terms of the contract to be determined 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. Attorneys practicing Mississippi law in Columbia can be helpful in selecting the right form, and can also revise the contract to make it the best fit for your particular situation. However, form contracts can pose problems if they need to be interpreted by courts, especially if they are used without the assistance of an attorney. First, a party using a form contract may not have thoroughly 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 term 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 Attorneys in Columbia are experts in Mississippi contract law.