When parties to an agreement intend it to have legal effect, that agreement is called a contract. In Ohio, 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 usually 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 Indian Hill

There is more to a contract than what is required for it to be valid in Indian Hill. The particular terms of the contract should all be discussed separately so that the intent of each party is understood by the other. Stating your intentions clearly at the beginning of negotiations is helpful, since then the parties may carefully detail the obligations and duties of the contract based on mutual expectations. Also, you may want to negotiate a process that can be followed should one party not fulfill its end of the contract.

Using a Form Contract

Using a form contract as a baseline for your agreement may save you time. Lawyers practicing Ohio law in Indian Hill can be helpful in selecting the right form, and can also revise the contract to make it the best fit for your distinct situation. Using a form contract without the advice of an attorney may pose problems. 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, form contracts will often contain language that is difficult to understand outside the legal community. This can cause disagreement over the meaning of a clause. With either a negotiated contract or a form, an attorney can ensure that the written document matches the intent of each party. Lawyers in Indian Hill often specialize in Ohio contract law.