How to Write A Contract

How to Write A Contract

Sometimes the best way to go about writing a contract is to keep it simple. You may have seen contracts with tons of provisions and definitions, all of which are trying to say simple things in the most complicated way possible. Contract lawyers tend to write things this way in an effort to protect all parties, but sometimes it just makes more sense to break the contract down to its basic components. Often, if you do this for a first draft so that you can be sure you know what you want to get in the contract, you can then substitute your words with legalese, and you'll have a professional contract without the need for law school courses.

The best way to go about this is to just ask yourself some questions, then use the answers to formulate the provisions of your contract.

1. Who are the parties involved in this agreement?

2. What type of goods or services is one party providing for the other?

3. What is the payment required for these goods or services? How will the payment be made?

4. What happens if either party fails to live up to his/her end of the agreement?

5. If this is an employment contract, what is the term of the contract? What kind of work is expected from the employee? What is the compensation? What benefits will the employee receive? In what ways can the contract be terminated?

6. For either contract, what other stipulations would you like to see in place?

By answering these questions, you will be well on your way to creating a contract that is thorough, and that protects all parties equally.