In Texas, a contract is different from a normal agreement in that the parties to a contract intend their agreement to have legal effect. 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 typically 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 Richardson
Negotiation of each particular term in a contract is important to ensure that the intent of each party is met. Also, there are certain clauses that should be included in every Richardson contract to give it the desired legal effect. The terms of the contract may be decided based on clear expectations if both parties are upfront about their intentions early on. Also, parties may want to discuss whether they need a provision for resolving any disputes under the contract.
Using a Form Contract
Using a form contract as a baseline for your agreement may save you time. Lawyers practicing Texas law in Richardson can be helpful in selecting the right form, and can also revise the contract to make it the best fit for your particular situation. If the parties attempt to use a form contract without an attorney's advice, there may be risks. First, form contracts have the tendency to go unread. Any party who does not carefully review all the contract clauses can be left unaware of their obligations 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. Lawyers can help ensure that a written contract matches the intent of the parties, whether negotiating a contract or using a form. Texas contract law is a field in which many Richardson Lawyers have specialized.