Sample Contracts and Forms

As an entrepreneur or small business owner, you will undoubtedly fill out various forms and legal contracts. For instance, newly hired employees typically sign employment agreements detailing compensation and work requirements. Some employers also require arbitration or non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to protect confidential information.

Deciding which form to use can be confusing. To simplify matters, FindLaw provides an extensive collection of documents commonly used by startups and small businesses.

In this section, you will find the following resources and more:

• Sample debt collection forms
• Business plans from actual corporations
• Balance sheets
• State-specific business forms

Common Business Contracts

Understanding the subject of your small business contract can help identify the typical types of business contracts. It can also help to avoid missing opportunities to protect your business needs. Certain types of contracts are common in specific contexts, for example:

Sales-Related Contracts

Where one party is making a purchase from another party, contracts that may be necessary or wise include:

• Bills of Sale
• Purchase Orders
• Agreements for the Sale of Goods
• Warranties
• Limited Warranties
• Disclaimers
• Security Agreements

Employment Contracts

Contracts are increasingly important as both employers and employees negotiate to establish the conditions of employment. This includes the expectations of the employer and the prospective employee. Common agreements include:

• Offer Letter
• Employment Agreements
• Employee Non-Compete Agreements
• Independent Contractor Agreements
• Consulting Agreements
• Distributor Agreements
• Sales Representative Agreements
• Confidentiality Agreements
• Nondisclosure Agreements
• Employment Separation Agreements

Leases

Contracts about commercial real estate frequently require a written agreement. Equipment leases are also common. Real Property Leases and Equipment Leases cover agreements of this sort.

General Business Contracts

Other business transactions require contracts that govern the business relationships and actions of the parties. Businesses may enter into:

• Franchise Agreements
• Advertising Agency Agreements
• Indemnity Agreements
• Service Contracts
• Covenants Not to Sue
• Settlement Agreements
• Releases, including Release of Liability
• Assignment of Contracts
• Stock Purchase Agreements
• Partnership Agreements
• Joint Venture Agreements
• Agreements To Sell a Business

State-Specific Small Business Legal Forms

Certain subjects are almost always covered by state laws. There is a better chance that courts will uphold your agreement when forms have been generated with your jurisdiction’s laws in mind. Some of the helpful forms for small businesses available and organized by state include:

• Bankruptcy Forms
• Buy/Sell Agreements
• Procurement Contracts
• Commercial Leases, Equipment Leases, and Lease Terminations
• Construction Liens and Contracts, Contractor Forms, and Home Construction Contracts
• Employment Forms
• LLC Formation and Operation Forms
• Power of Attorney & Living Will Forms
• Technology Forms

Forms & Contracts: By Subject

FindLaw also maintains examples and templates for other types of documents that can be useful. The legal documents are organized by subject. These documents can be an invaluable resource. Subjects include:

• Starting a Business
• Incorporation and Legal Structuring
• Employment and Human Resources
• Taxes
• Business Operation
• Credit & Debt Collection
• Finance & Banking
• Mergers & Strategic Transaction
• Intellectual Property
• Litigation & Disputes
• Bankruptcy
• Closing a Business
• Federal Government Forms

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