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 Raleigh
Negotiating the particular terms of a contract is crucial. There are several terms that should be included in every Raleigh contract to ensure that the agreement protects the interests of the parties. Being upfront about your intentions can help the contract goal of mutual understanding of expectations. To conclude negotiations, you may want to include a clause that determines what is to be done if a party fails to meet its duty.
Using a Form Contract
Using a form contract as a baseline for your agreement may save you time. Lawyers practicing North Carolina law in Raleigh 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, parties using form contracts often do not read all the clauses, and can therefore be 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. With either a negotiated contract or a form, an attorney can ensure that the written document matches the intent of each party. Lawyers in Raleigh often specialize in North Carolina contract law.