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Browse our 2 legal questions about Contract in United States and the lawyer answers, or ask your own questions for free.
Contract Law in Medfield, United States is based on the general principle that an agreement between two parties that involves the exchange of goods, services, or promises, is legally binding. The contract may be oral or written. However, for a contract to be legally enforceable, it must have an offer, acceptance and consideration (something of value exchanged between parties).
Lawyers play an essential role in drafting, reviewing and enforcing contracts. If you are involved in a deal that has significant financial implications or risk like purchasing a house or starting a new business, having a lawyer review the contract can help guarantee that your interests are protected. Additionally, if there has been a breach of contract, a lawyer can guide you on the best route to seek legal resolution. In cases where the contractual terms are complex or ambiguous, or if it’s your first time dealing with formal contracts, enlisting a lawyer’s expertise is highly advisable.
While basic principles of contracts are governed by federal laws in the United States, certain finer details, such as statute of limitations for bringing forth a contract claim, vary by states. In Massachusetts, generally, one has 6 years from the date of breach to bring a contract claim. This can change depending on the specific circumstances of your case, which necessitates consultation with a local contract lawyer. It is also essential in Medfield, like the rest of Massachusetts, for certain contracts like real estate transactions, to be written to be enforceable.
Common contracts include sales contracts, service contracts, real estate purchase contracts, lease contracts, and non-disclosure agreements.
A breach of contract occurs when either party fails to fulfill their responsibilities as obligated by the terms of the contract.
A void contract is invalid from the time it is created, and cannot be enforced by law. On the other hand, a voidable contract is valid unless one party chooses to reject it due to certain reasons as permitted by law.
While verbal agreements can be considered contracts under certain circumstances, written contracts are often easier to enforce due to lack of ambiguity.
No, a contract does not have to be notarized to be valid unless it involves a matter that requires it to be notarized, such as property deeds in some states.
The Massachusetts Courts' website has tools and information on civil contract litigation, including small claims processes for breach of contract claims. The Massachusetts Bar Association also offers a lawyer referral service which can assist in finding a contract lawyer. Legal aid organizations, law clinics at universities, and other non-profit organizations may provide additional resources and assistance.
If you believe that you may require legal assistance with a contract, seek a local attorney specializing in contract law. Prepare all your relevant documents, clarify your objectives and concerns, and schedule a consultation. It’s vital to ensure that you understand all terms of the contract and its implications before signing, and a lawyer can help demystify any complex legal jargon or clauses involved.
