In South Carolina, a contract is different from a normal agreement in that the parties to a contract intend their agreement to have legal effect. Contracts may be oral or written, as long as both parties have the same understanding of the terms of the agreement. The reliability of written contracts generally make them the preferred means for businesses to transact. Since the intent of a contract is to be legally effective, they are best formed by those who understand the law.

Negotiating a Contract in Surfside Beach

Negotiating the specific terms of a contract is crucial. There are several terms that should be included in every Surfside Beach contract to ensure that the agreement protects the interests of the parties. Being forthright about your intentions early on can be helpful, because it allows the terms of the contract to be determined 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. Attorneys practicing South Carolina law in Surfside Beach can be helpful in selecting the right form, and can also revise the contract to make it the best fit for your individual situation. Using a form contract without the assistance of an attorney may pose problems. First, parties using form contracts often do not read all the terms, and can therefore be unaware of their obligations under the contract. Second, form contracts often use words and language understood only within the legal community. This may cause parties to agree to a term they don't really understand. An attorney can ensure that a written contract matches the intent of the parties, both with form contracts and in negotiations. In Surfside Beach, many Attorneys specialize in South Carolina contract law.