Contracts outline promises and agreements between different parties. The law enforces these promises when both parties know they are making an agreement and consent to it. However, the agreement made must be legal.
One reason to create a contract is to form a partnership. A partnership agreement outlines the responsibilities of each partner in the business. Even though the law does not require you to have a contract outlining your partnership agreement, it is a wise decision to do so.
A partnership agreement addresses certain specific details about how you will run your business. These can include the following:
How you will split the debts and losses
How you will manage the business
How you will split the profits
You should speak to a business lawyer near you before signing any contract or entering into any partnerships.
Other people you do business with during your commercial enterprise also warrant written agreements.
Your vendors supply necessary equipment, materials, and products in exchange for monetary consideration. A solid contract defines exactly what your business will pay in exchange for what products. It can also detail repercussions if you or the vendor fails to keep to your agreement.
You can also document your agreements with customers. When you sell or lease a product to a consumer, you may need to protect yourself from the possibility that he or she will breach.
Contracts limit the disputes by clarifying what each party agrees to do. Also, your contract allows you an outlet if a breach occurs. A court of law will be able to understand exactly what all parties agreed to and how they failed to accomplish them.
Business disputes arise for a variety of reasons:
Nonperformance – When a party fails to fulfill his or her duties
Breach of implied duty – When the contract does not specify every single duty, but implies certain responsibilities in accordance with completion of the contract
Material breach of contract – A serious failure to perform a certain duty that leads to the invalidation of the contract
Contact a business lawyer near you in order to discuss how contracts help you avoid disputes and how your business benefits from the wisdom and guidance of counsel.