Legalizing my contract..

<p>I drafted a contract for my wedding photography business, and I was told that I had to take it to a lawyer to legalize it. Is this true? If so, could someone explain the process to me?<br>

Thanks :)</p>

<p>I don't know about "legalizing" a contract, but you certainly should have an attorney review your contract to make sure you haven't put something in it that could bite you later.</p>

<p>Did you use a template or pre-written contract form?</p>

<p>You told you about "legalizing" the contract, someone knowledgable in the law?</p>

<p><Chas></p>

 

<p>I used a template, and changed it where necessary. The person who brought it up was another photographer..</p>

 

<p>That's not true. Anyone can write anything down, and its a contract. If you google around, you'll find people have put up their contracts for people to see. Just find one, revise to fit what you want to do and how you want to do it, and there you go. Just make sure it is fair to you and you are outlining what you intend to provide and do for your client.</p>

 

<p>Sounds like a bit of colloquialism to describe the good practice of getting an expert to check it out.</p>

<p>As already stated, a Contract is simply and offer and acceptance between 2 parties - it doesn't have to be written down, although obviously it is far better to have it documented as a record of exactly what the 2 parties have agreed (although everything is open to interpretation).</p>

<p>Unless a Contract is a standard form (common in other disciplines such as construction) where there is a body of case law to back up definitions and common understanding and interpretations I would always recommend getting an expert to review the Contract.</p>

<p>Martin</p>

<p>It's always easier and much less expensive to work with an attorney upfront. If your contract is structured properly, there may be many situation where you won't need an attorney. If it's not, you may be paying one many times over. Get it right the first time and save yourself lots of potential trouble afterwards.....-Aimee</p>

<p>Contract law, and legal terms, in the United States may differ significantly from those of Canada, where, I believe, the OP is located. At the very least, Jo, as suggested, you should have a local attorney review your contract.</p>

<p>You don't <em>need</em> a lawyer, but if something goes seriously wrong you can bet lawyers <em>will</em> be involved, so</p>

<blockquote>

<p> you certainly should have an attorney review your contract <strong>to make sure you haven't put something in it that could bite you later</strong> . [emphasis added]</p>

</blockquote>

<p>The law may be an ass, but it can have a serious kick and it is not to be tinkered with casually by the amateur, IMHO, since what to you may be just an ordinary word can mean something very specific in legalese.</p>

<p>Thanks everyone. I will get a lawyer to review my contract..<br>

I really appreciate all the responses :)</p>

 

<p>Here are typical lawyer fees: </p>

<p>Contract review and revision $200<br>

Contract litigation: $200 per hour for maybe 50 hours..........</p>

<p>Better and cheaper to get it done right on the front end. <br>

Bob Bollinger (Attorney at Law)</p>