Common Contract Attorneys Questions
It’s not uncommon for clients to pick up the phone and reach out to me with a question: “I have someone who is not paying me for services I provided. What should I do?” My first question, like any attorney, is, “Do you have a written contract with the other party?” Oddly enough, the answer often dances around phrases like, “Well, they’re family” or “It’s a friend of a friend.” One memorable instance even involved neighbors who coached the same high school football team for their children. This kind of situation can quickly become uncomfortable because the absence of a written contract frequently results in disputes, and sometimes even severed relationships, with close family and friends.
Written contracts are a part of everyday business. However, often times people and businesses overlook creating written contracts because of trade practices or familiarity with the parties involved including family and friends. Failing to have a written contract that summarizes all details of service is problematic and a recipe for disaster. Coming up with these details is important, and a business is only as good as the plan in place, if you have questions about developing your business plan, reach out to the North Dakota SBDC
A well-structured written contract should be an exhaustive document, leaving no room for ambiguity or misunderstanding. It should explicitly identify all parties involved, leaving no room for misinterpretation. It should elaborate on the scope of services or products to be provided, leaving no room for assumption. It should establish the quality standards expected, leaving no room for disappointment. It should specify the total budgeted amount, leaving no room for financial disputes. And crucially, it should define clear deadlines for deliverables and articulate the consequences that will follow if either party fails to meet their obligations. While these elements may seem like common sense, they are often overlooked, leading to frustration, regret, and sometimes even financial turmoil.
Whether you’re at the top of a bustling business, in the process of hiring a contractor, or nurturing the spark of a startup, written contracts should be your armor against uncertainty. These documents don’t need to be legalese. Still, they must be clear, ensuring that both parties understand their rights and responsibilities without the need for a judge or contract lawyer to decipher the language.
Conclusion: Fargo Patent & Business Law: Contact Attorneys in North Dakota
If you find yourself in need of guidance in forming or reviewing a written contract, don’t hesitate to reach out to Fargo Patent & Business Law. Our team of contract attorneys boasts extensive experience in reviewing and drafting contracts across diverse industries and businesses. You can rest assured that your legal agreements will stand, and your business will be protected. Contact us today!
