Not every business or personal contract is enforceable. Many can be invalidated if they violate contracting laws or regulations. Others can be terminated if they lack contract essentials. To find out more information about business contracts beyond the basics, see Nolo's Business Contracts section.
Contracts are legally binding agreements, and they pervade almost every aspect of our personal and business lives.
All you need is a clear agreement and mutual promises to exchange things of value.
Follow these guidelines to make an enforceable, plain-English business agreement or contract.
Common negotiation tactics for negotiating business agreements.
How do you create a valid offer, and when does it become a contract?
What is consideration in a contract, and what if an agreement doesn't have it?
What kinds of contracts might not hold up in court?
Didn't get your contract exactly right? Amend it.
If you're modifying an existing contract, use this Sample Amendment.
An implied contract is created when two or more parties have no written contract.
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At Nolo, we prioritize quality and transparency because we know how important reliable legal information is to our readers. Our information is meticulously researched, regularly updated, and written in plain English by our experienced writers and editors. Learn more about our editorial standards.