Do I need a lawyer to write a contract?
By Nadia Cabrera-Mazzeo
The power of contracts is for everyone.
Short answer: No. Anyone can write a contract, but unless you have a strong understanding of contract law, it’s best to get help from a lawyer.
Contract law is based on principles of honesty, fairness, and the idea that people should keep their word. It is fitting, then, that anyone can write a legally-binding contract (but you have to do it right).
There’s a famous case in the contract world called Lucy v. Zehmer where a farmer offered to sell his farm to a man at a bar, jotted down the details on a napkin, and signed it.
The farmer was secretly joking, but the buyer took it seriously and, in the end, the court forced the farmer to hand over the farm because the napkin was a legally-binding contract!
One of the main lessons from the case is that the outward expression of agreement to be bound by a contract trumps any unexpressed subjective intent. Contract law bestows great power on ordinary people to enter into binding agreements and that power should not be taken lightly.
To wield the power of contracts correctly and responsibly, it is best to work with a lawyer who understands the ins and outs of contract law and can help ensure that your interests are protected. Our attorney at Honest Contracts is not only well-versed in the nuances of contract law, but also finds it fun and exciting to read and write contracts.
With Honest Contracts, you can be sure you’re getting excellent service and support to make solid deals in your business.
Law office of Nadia Cabrera-Mazzeo, Esq.
Based in Taos, serving clients throughout New Mexico
505 427 2025
nadia@honestcontracts.com