When parties to an agreement intend it to have legal effect, that agreement is called a contract. In North Carolina, contracts might be oral or written, as long as both parties have the same understanding of the terms of the agreement. A written contract is generally preferred by most businesses, because that make the agreements more reliable. Contracts may involve legal principles, so they are best formed with a clear understanding of the law.

Negotiating a Contract in Granite Falls

Negotiating the particular terms of a contract is crucial. There are several terms that should be included in every Granite Falls contract to ensure that the agreement protects the interests of the parties. The terms of the contract may be decided based on clear expectations if both parties are upfront about their intentions early on. Also, parties may want to discuss whether they need a provision for resolving any disputes under 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 Granite Falls,North Carolina 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. If the parties attempt to use a form contract without an attorney's advice, there may be risks. First, parties are less likely to read form contracts completely, which may lead to one side being unaware of their duties 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. With either a negotiated contract or a form, an attorney can ensure that the written document matches the intent of each party. Lawyers in Granite Falls often specialize in North Carolina contract law.