When parties to an agreement intend it to have legal effect, that agreement is called a contract. In New Jersey, contracts might be oral or written, as long as both parties have the same understanding of the terms of the agreement. Businesses most often prefer the reliability of written contracts in their transactions. These instruments are best written by those with an expertise of the law, since the intent behind a contract is to give it legal effect.

Negotiating a Contract in Cranford

Negotiating the particular terms of a contract is crucial. There are several terms that should be included in every Cranford 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

Form contracts can serve as a good starting point for a sound agreement. Lawyers in Cranford, New Jersey often keep past contracts on file, and can add or remove clauses based on the situation. They can also reword the specific language of form contracts to make them more clear. However, form contracts can pose problems if they need to be interpreted by courts, particularly if they are used without the advice of an attorney. First, a party using a form contract may not have completely 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 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 Cranford, many Lawyers specialize in New Jersey contract law.