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Let’s make a deal – and promise to put it in writing. As one of the #WomenThatDo, you likely have all sorts of legal agreements, ranging from apartment leases to work contracts. Whether you’re making a business transaction or buying a car, make sure to get the deal in fine print so you don’t have to sweat the small stuff later.
So what type of deals does the rule apply to? The short answer: All of them. Steve Strauss, USA Today entrepreneur expert and small business lawyer, explains when it’s crucial to get an agreement in writing.
“Legally, only certain contracts are required to be in writing to be valid: contracts for the sale of real estate, contracts for the sale of goods over $5,000, contracts that cannot be completed in less than a year, and some others,” Strauss said. “But even though a contract does not have to be in writing, that does not mean that it nevertheless should not be. The rule should be this: Get it in writing. Get all contracts in writing.”
Chris Hinson, an All Law contributor who focuses on business contracts, agrees any contracts lasting over a year should be in print. Even if it is not legally required, he recommends finding a lawyer to help you draft written paperwork. Although most lawyers aren’t free, legal services can save you time and money later on by keeping you out of any courtroom if there’s dispute over the terms.
“Regardless of whether a contract does or doesn’t have to be in writing to be enforced by a court, having a written contract can really help you stay out of court altogether,” Hinson said via All Law. “Putting the terms of the agreement down in writing will help prevent the parties from forgetting exactly what was agreed to.”
When it comes to the workplace, contracts differ based on location and type of position. Although verbal contracts are often offered with that congratulatory phone call, pause for a sec before you scream yes. Lily Zhang, MIT Career Development specialist, emphasizes the importance of not accepting a job until you’ve got the paperwork in your hands – even if it’s for your dream job.
“Verbal contracts are tricky business, and rules vary by state, but in general with at-will employment in the U.S., the problem is not so much about being unable to back out of the job – and more about being unable to negotiate the terms as well,” Zhang said via The Muse.
While in-house positions usually offer written paperwork upon request, contracts are just as critical for freelance gigs. Typically, freelance writing is a form of employment often completed sans paperwork. Freelance Writing Jobs (FWJ) strongly encourages freelancers to secure a formal contract with a writing job, regardless of how informal it is. FWJ provides seven reasons for this step, including right to attribution and plagiarism protection.
What about your living situation? Luckily, most apartments require a written lease, which gives both the tenant and landlord tangible documentation of mutual expectations. Yet many eager leasers sign the paperwork without really reading the fine print. U.S. News and World Report advises you to take the lease home and study up before renting that U-Haul. If you’re unsure about something (no matter how small), ask away and add it to the contract – it’s better to have the deets on paper before you paint the walls purple or adopt a rowdy pup.
When venturing out into the world as a young, independent woman, don’t let anyone use your gender or age against you when making a deal. Do your research, walk with poise and assert yourself with confidence to land that client, rent that apartment or score that dream job. Just remember – always get it in writing.
