When parties to an agreement intend it to have legal effect, that agreement is called a contract. In New York, contracts might be oral or written, as long as both parties have the same understanding of the terms of the agreement. In business transactions, written contracts are generally preferred for their reliability. These documents are best drafted by those who understand the law, because the very reason for a contract is to legally obligate the parties.

Negotiating a Contract in Middle Island

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

Using a form contract as a baseline for your agreement may save you time. Lawyers practicing New York law in Middle Island 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, the challenging language used in the field of contracts can make agreements written by others difficult to understand. An attorney can ensure that a written contract matches the intent of the parties, both with form contracts and in negotiations. In Middle Island, many Lawyers specialize in New York contract law.