{"id":4334,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:27","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/business-contracts-forms\/commonly-confused-contract-terms.html"},"modified":"2024-06-06T01:03:15","modified_gmt":"2024-06-06T06:03:15","slug":"commonly-confused-contract-terms","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-contracts-forms\/commonly-confused-contract-terms.html","title":{"rendered":"Mistakes To Avoid When Writing Your Own Business Contracts"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Mistakes To Avoid When Writing Your Own Business Contracts<\/h1>\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Aviana Cooper, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
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Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate partner links on FindLaw. Commissions do not affect the editorial integrity of our legal content.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Business owners draft contracts every day. A contract may be nothing\u00a0more than an invoice from an auto mechanic explaining the terms and conditions to repair a car and the owner’s signature. What matters is that both parties agree to the\u00a0terms of the contract<\/a>\u00a0and that the contract has all elements of the contract.<\/p>\r\n

You don’t need a law degree to write a contract. But getting legal advice before signing a contract is a good idea. It’s easy for the layperson to make common mistakes in drafting contracts. These mistakes can render your contract void even if made in good faith.<\/p>\r\n

This article reviews some common terms in contract drafting and gives you some tips on what to look for when writing or reading a contract. But you should always consider having a contract reviewed by an attorney if you’re unsure of its meaning.<\/p>\r\n

Types of Mistakes<\/h2>\r\n

When business owners do their own contract drafting, they make errors. These errors sometimes result from using "legalese" or legal jargon rather than plain language. There is no reason a contract must include fancy legal terms when plain language works. Drafters of simple contracts, like car repair invoices, do this daily.<\/p>\r\n

Using unfamiliar language leads to mistakes in understanding between the parties.<\/p>\r\n