It’s a familiar scenario. In need of a seemingly simple contract you turn to the Internet for information. A quick Google search reveals numerous low-cost options, making it difficult to justify the time and expense of hiring a litigation lawyer. So you make the fateful decision to draft the document yourself, using one of those downloadable contract templates. What could possibly go wrong?
Due to their accessibility and affordability, these DIY options are becoming increasingly popular. Yet while they may save time and money in the short term, creating your own contract can have far-reaching and expensive consequences when a breach of contract arises. Because these documents include general, boilerplate clauses, circumstances often arise that were not planned for in such generalized clauses so that many people find themselves involved in expensive contract disputes down the line.
The reason for this is simple. In order for a contract to be enforceable it must be sufficiently clear and the agreement itself complete. It must adequately specify who the parties are, the subject matter of the agreement and the amount of consideration -- not to mention things like start dates, end dates and the obligations and liabilities of each party. And because each situation is unique, additional specific clauses may be needed to adequately address the applicable circumstances, variables and relevant legislation.
Unfortunately, many DIY contract templates do not properly cover these matters, resulting in unclear or incomplete contracts, as well as inevitable disputes. While the use of these DIY is on the rise, so is the need for professional legal assistance when problems arise.
If you find yourself in a legal dispute due to an uncertain or incomplete contract, our commercial litigation lawyers based in Sydney are here to help. Our years of experience can guide you through the myriad of options available to you in order to find your best outcome. Just contact our office at +61 2 8644 0663 to book a conference.
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