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Understanding Your Contract: Top Seven Questions to Ask Yourself Before Signing a Contract

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The standard definition of a contract states that: a contract is a promise or set of promises, for breach of which the law gives a remedy, or the performance of which the law in some way recognizes as a duty. Therefore, an enforceable contract, whatever its type or form, inevitably creates rights and obligations. This is why it is so important to make sure you understand the contract before you sign it. Therefore, ask yourself the following questions before you bind yourself to an agreement with another party:

1. Do I understand exactly the extent, timing, and nature of my contractual obligations?

2. Do I understand exactly the extent, timing, and nature of the other party’s contractual obligations?

3. Do I understand exactly my rights under the contract and when I can enforce them?

4. Do I understand exactly the other party’s contractual rights and when they can enforce them?

5. Am I personally liable (i.e. your personal assets are at risk) for the promises made in the contract?

6. Is the contract enforceable?

7. If the contract is enforceable, where and under which state’s or country’s laws can it be enforced?

There are many more detailed questions that should be asked before you sign a contract. Never, however, sign a contract without at least positively answering these seven questions.

Obviously, it is best if a contract attorney reviews your agreement before you sign it. Sherayzen Law Office has extensive experience in drafting and reviewing a wide variety of U.S. and international contracts, including but not limited to: confidentiality agreements, disclaimers, distributor agreements, sale of goods contracts, personal services contracts, general employment contracts, independent contractor agreements, franchise agreements, manufacturing agreements, non-compete agreements, lease agreements, licensing agreements, operating agreements, partnership agreements, and sale/purchase of business contracts.

Call Now at (952) 500-8159 to discuss your contract with a Minnesota and international contract lawyer.