In the age of online and alternative legal service providers, it’s easy to feel like you’ve got everything covered in your business. That is until something goes wrong.
Chances are you have already met with a lawyer when you started your business. But consider the last time you met with that lawyer. What’s changed since then?
Getting Ahead Of Potential Problems
While it will cost some money to have your lawyer review business documents before signing, the cost of post-contract litigation will nearly always be much higher. A lawyer with a background in litigation can identify any problems before you sign, and possibly negotiate for better terms to avoid those problems later.
Are You An Expert In Contract Law?
Most business owners aren’t, so it makes sense to have your lawyer review contracts before you sign it. From lease agreements to employment, vendor, and other contracts, having “another set of eyes” review contracts and other business documents before signing can help you avoid a serious and costly mistake.
The Other Party’s Legal Counsel
Any business documents from another party were drafted and finalized by a lawyer who is working in favor of the other party’s interest. Without having your own lawyer review a contract, agreement, or other document means you could overlook an unfair contract clause that could have serious consequences for you and your business. Your lawyer will work in the interest of your business and protect you and your business from harm.
Dispute Resolution
If there is a problem later, don’t assume you can take them to court. A contract or other business document may require you to submit to mediation and/or binding arbitration instead. If you’ve signed a document that requires arbitration and didn’t notice this clause, you’ve waived your right to file a lawsuit. The decisions made in arbitration are binding, which means they are similar to a court order.
More Reasons To Let Your Lawyer Review
The lawyer that you pay and hire is working on your behalf. They can also:
- Explain to you the terms of the contract anything that you do not understand
- Guarantee that the terms are lawful
- Help prevent or at least mitigate potential legal issues in the future
- Make sure that the terms are clear prior to signing, and prevent any misunderstanding
He or she can detail everything that’s involved. Listen, ask questions, and make sure you understand everything before you sign.
Be Proactive With Your Business
Think of it this way: the fee you pay your lawyer to avoid a problem will usually be less than the fee to help get you out of one.
The time to have your business documents reviewed is before you sign them—not after. If you wait until the other party files suit and serves you with a summons, it’s already too late. The problem you hoped to avoid has manifested, and what you’ll deal with now is how much it will cost to mitigate and resolve the problem. This can include attorney’s fees, court costs, settlements, and other case-related expenses that could have been avoided.
Business Lawyer In Gorham, ME
For more than 25 years, Peter W. Evans has helped Maine business owners with contracts and other business legal issues. Mr. Evans gives each client and case personal attention to resolve nearly any kind of civil and/or business litigation problem. Call (207) 747-5114 today or contact us online to make an appointment.
