Contracts

[stanigator]

In Steve's article about 10 Stupid Mistakes Made by the Newly Self-Employed, he mentioned about what’s behind a signed contract is a relationship, and the purpose of the contract is to clearly define everyone’s roles and commitments.

I've recently drafted contracts with my business partners on Rocket Lawyers. However, I'm not sure if there are inclarities that remain, and parts of the contract that may not be enforceable. Where do you look for legal advices to look over those contract drafts? Do you even go out for legal advices knowing that if the relationship becomes sour, the contract won't save you?

[Brutha]

Where do you look for legal advices to look over those contract drafts?

A lawyer.

[Midnite]

Contracts need to be air-tight and completely explained out to you to a fine detail before you sign anything. If an experienced lawyer puts together a contract, advises you based on that contract, and the deal turns sour; you should have some pretty good assurance that you and/or your interests can be protected in a court of law (if you are willing to pursue a litigatory path).

If you are not willing to pursue such a path then you are basing your decisions on good faith alone. Money can turn the most peaceful and warming people into completely different characters. As with any other type of relationship, people break up and go their separate way no matter how fantastic the start of the relationship was.

Many people let broken contracts go because of lack of willingness to drop more money pursuing damages, rather than just continuing on with their lives.

[hamix]

Well, Steve is right, a contract is supposed to provide a proper grounding of a relationship and enforce it legally.

I would advise going to a contract lawyer, and having all parties formulate and personally witness each other sign it. All parties must understand every provision, since a contract is only void in specific conditions (signed under duress, one or more parties is mentally disturbed and cannot sign the contract, minors have signed it, etc.)