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 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 Lexington

There is more to a contract than what is required for it to be valid in Lexington. The individual terms of the contract should all be discussed separately so that the intent of each party is understood by the other. 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

Many Lexington, Ohio Lawyers use form contracts as a template for any new agreement. The attorney will add or remove contract provisions that the parties want, plus modify the specific language of the form contract to meet the parties' needs. This usually saves all parties time and money. 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, using a form contract makes it more likely that one of the parties will not have understood the clauses. This can lead to them being unaware of their duties under the contract. Second, form contracts often contain language that is particular to the field of law, and using forms without an understanding of this language can cause future disagreements over a contract's meaning. Whether you decide to negotiate a contract or use a form contract, an attorney will be able to help you ensure that the written instrument matches your intent. Many lawyers practicing in Lexington are experts of Ohio contract law.