A contract in West Virginia is an agreement made by parties that intend their agreement to have legal effect. As long as parties to a contract have the same understanding about the contractual terms, the contract might either be written or entirely oral. A written contract is usually preferred by most businesses, because that make the agreements more reliable. Contracts may involve legal principles, so they are best formed with a clear understanding of the law.

Negotiating a Contract in Bridgeport

Along with particular clauses that should be included in every Bridgeport contract for it to be valid, it is important to adequately discuss each term to make sure 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 West Virginia law in Bridgeport can be helpful in selecting the right form, and can also revise the contract to make it the best fit for your distinct situation. 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, parties using form contracts often do not read all the clauses, and can therefore be unaware of their obligations under the contract. Second, using a contract that someone else has written can obligate the parties to a contract clause that they do not understand. 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 Bridgeport are experts of West Virginia contract law.