A contract is a legal document that states and explains a formal agreement between two or more people or groups. It may be a simple, handwritten document in which the parties describe the labor or service provided, the due date and the costs, or it may be a complicated document such as the one singed upon securing a mortgage.

It is advisable to have a contract when you:

•  Make a major purchase, such as a car

•  Rent a house or apartment

• Purchase a service, such as a cell phone
• Internships/some jobs
• Personal services, such as cleaning houses, or working for an indivdual

Before signing a contract:

• Make sure that you read and understand the contract in its entirety, including what is written in small print. It is advisable not to sign if you have any doubt as to the contents.

• Make sure to keep a copy

• Meet the terms outlined in the contract to avoid being taken to court for damages*

(Damages: money that is paid to someone by a person or organization that is responsible for causing them some injury or loss)

Disclaimer: Information on this page is not legal advice for any individual case or situation. The information is general and should not be relied upon for any specific situation. For specific situations, please consult an attorney.