Top Reasons to Consult a Lawyer Before Signing a Contract

Too often, the business lawyers at Ferikes Bleynat & Cannon meet with clients who signed contracts without seeking legal advice and are now facing disputes or unfavorable terms. A contract is a legally binding document that can significantly impact your rights and obligations, and it is essential to have a lawyer review or draft any agreement before signing. If a matter is important enough to require a contract, it’s important enough to get legal advice. Here are the top reasons why you should consult a lawyer before signing any contract:

1. You Can Save Money
While you might hesitate to involve a lawyer for fear of legal fees, the cost of reviewing or drafting a contract is often much lower than the expense of resolving disputes in court. At Ferikes Bleynat & Cannon, our experienced business lawyers can craft contracts that protect your rights, reflect your agreements fairly, and address potential legal issues that could lead to future litigation. This preventive step can save you from costly mistakes down the road.

2. Avoid Giving Up Important Legal Rights
Without legal review, you may unknowingly waive crucial rights in a contract. For example, some contracts include provisions requiring arbitration in another state or waiving your right to go to court entirely. You could also inadvertently waive rights to receive notice, the right to cure a default, or the right to offset claims made by the other party. Having a lawyer review these provisions ensures that you understand exactly what you are agreeing to and protects your legal rights.

3. Ensure the Contract Reflects Your Agreement
Many people assume they need to fit their agreement into a pre-existing contract template. However, your contract should reflect the exact terms and conditions of the agreement reached by both parties. By engaging a lawyer early in the negotiation process, you can address potential concerns, clarify expectations, and ensure the contract accurately represents every detail of your agreement. This can prevent misunderstandings and disputes later.

4. Ensure Proper Execution by the Right Parties
Failing to execute a contract properly can lead to unintended consequences. For example, you may mistakenly assume personal liability for a contract that should have been signed on behalf of a corporation or LLC. A lawyer can ensure the contract is properly executed by the correct parties, protecting your personal assets and limiting liability to the appropriate entity.

5. Compliance with State and Federal Law
Many state and federal laws are automatically incorporated into contracts, even if they are not explicitly stated. Additionally, certain contractual terms may be void or legally unenforceable if they violate applicable law. Only a licensed attorney has the legal training to ensure that your contract complies with all relevant laws, helping you avoid unenforceable terms or unintended legal consequences.

Protect Yourself Before You Sign
If you’re about to sign a contract, protect your interests by seeking legal advice. The business attorneys at Ferikes Bleynat & Cannon have the experience and expertise to review, draft, and negotiate contracts that safeguard your rights. Contact us today to learn how we can help you with your contract needs.