contract 7

[onpnt]

I've had a web development business for a few years now and have never used contracts for anything. My main tasks were database integration with asp so word of mouth on the job cost etc was always good enough for me. Well, recently I've run into a stubborn (if you will) client on the payment side of things and it's made me want to go with the use of contracts for clients.

My question is would this be a issue to talk over a legal advisor? or can I just write something up and if I can what should this doc contain? also if that would be a legaly binding contract without legal advice?


Thanks for the advice!
I may not get it the 1st or 2nd time,
but how sweet that 15th time can be.
admin@onpntwebdesigns.com

 

[GUJUm0deL]

And that means you get a star... I have not failed; I merely found 100,000 different ways of not succeding...

 

[Kjonnnn]

Thank u... my first.

 

[lexus]

Some links to information about web design contracts:

http://webdesign.about.com/cs/contracts/

http://www.kslaw.com/library/articles.asp?196

Always checking with a lawyer , even if you write the original contract, is a good idea. **Quiquid latine dictum sit altum viditur.**

 

[Kjonnnn]

Interesting examples above.

The key is to know specifically what you are going to provide, and what is expected of both parties.

Make sure that YOU can explain the contract to your client. The average Joe wouldnt be able to make heads nor tails of that GlassBottom sample contract at the above mentioned link.

A lawyer will check the validity of your contract, but most lawyers don't know squat about the details of anything dealing with the web ... unless you get a lawyer who deals with the topic regularly.

Its much like if you are in the entertainment industry, you need an entertainment lawyer who knows the ins and outs of the business.

This holds true across the board, thats why many people get screwed, because they dont know what type of attorney they should seek. If you're getting divorced, you get a divorce lawyer, not one who does car crashes. Each attorneys knowledge and expertise varies above the basics of law.
(speaking as a former legal assistant).

So in this case you need an attorney who is AT LEAST verse in contract law.

 

[GUJUm0deL]

No matter what kind of reaserach you do showing a copy to an actual lawyer is the best way... I have not failed; I merely found 100,000 different ways of not succeding...

 

[twcman]

I use a lawyer written contract but at the end is kind of a freelance section. I use this section to make a list (if you can) of each of the items they want to accomplish. This is easier for me I guess since I do more modifications to existing sites and database integration than I do origninal site design. Thought the check list idea might come in handy though.

The only dumb questions are the ones that are never asked

 

[GUJUm0deL]

Just to let everyone know, I redid my contract and added the suggestions of kjonnn and wullie...
I have not failed; I merely found 100,000 different ways of not succeding...