Key Clauses to Review Before Signing Any Contract

A contract is the law that governs the relationship between its parties — what is written in it is what will be relied upon in any later dispute, so reviewing it carefully before signing matters far more than trying to amend or dispute it afterward.

Clauses that deserve close review include: a precise description of the parties and the contract's subject matter, the mutual obligations and their timelines, the financial terms and payment method, the conditions for termination and their grounds, and any penalty clauses or late-payment charges.

Pay attention too to the dispute-resolution clause (litigation or arbitration?) and which court or body has jurisdiction over any dispute, since this determines what options are available to you later if the other party fails to honor their commitments.

Do not rely on verbal promises, however much trust exists between the parties — only what is written and signed can be proven and relied upon. If you have a contract you need reviewed before signing, we would be glad to help.